This is the lifetime story of Oh-y-Yee, the big, strong, and dapple-gray mare owned by Awanatu. She feels angered by the way he treats her and is determined to rid herself of him when possible.

Her story is observed and told by an old bald eagle that flies overhead to spy on the Indians, wagon train settlers, different events, and strangers who appear throughout the book. He is puzzled by the events and the people involved, which pique his interest in them more and more as the story unravels.