Betsy Adams is an independent, honest, brave, resourceful ten-year old who lives in the Colorado Territory before it became a state. She is also a full-blooded Cheyenne. The first chapter tells the story of her tragic but joyful transition to a settler family. Her settler father is a doctor and lives with her mother and Betsy near the Pony Express trail. Betsy befriends a Cheyenne brave who gives her a special stick, with a net on it that throws stones. He also gives her a pouch to hold the stones. Betsy attaches a carrying strap and it goes with her everywhere. Betsy assists those around her in every way she can. One day, a Pony Express rider arrives at the "swing station" near their home just as Betsy arrives at the station with some home-grown food for the manager. The rider has a Comanche arrow in his shoulder. This leads to a question the station manager has to ask Betsy. Her exciting adventures start there. Along the way, Betsy is glad she has her secret weapon, which she calls: "Lightning."
