When Opal's baby girl dies because of backwoods superstitions, Christy is appalled. Meanwhile, Tom McHone seeks refuge at the mission after being shot and accused of telling the authorities about the moonshining operation.

Christy is introduced to Aunt Polly and David rubs Ault Allen the wrong way.

Dr. Ferrand, mission director, pays a visit to Cutter Gap. Christy receives a large number of donations from Ashville, including equipment to hook up a phone line to El Pano.

Dr. MacNeill tries an experimental procedure on Becky O'Teale in hopes of curing her trachoma. Meanwhile, Miss Alice disapproves of Christy's friendship with Neil.

Christy meets Hattie McHabe, the oldest Cutter Gap resident. Meanwhile, Theodore S. Harland arrives to record the folklore of the cove, or so he says, and Miss Alice's daughter, Margaret, returns from ""the dead.""