"This was going to be easy," thought Ellie as she headed up the mountain. She carried a basket packed with moss in which to put the coals she was going to borrow. Her mother was counting on her to get the coals and get back quickly. She also carried a stick to ward off snakes. She soon realizes there are far greater dangers than snakes in the wilderness where she lives. She will need all her wits and courage to face those dangers if she is successful in getting her precious coals down the mountain. Just when all seems to be lost, she receives help from a surprising and unexpected source.