Nora and her siblings, after running away from Aunt Augusta and Uncle Henley, live with an elderly woman they call Grandmere. They soon learn her bark is worse than her bite. Meanwhile Mama recovers her health and comes from New York City to live with them. Nora encounters other Orphan Train Riders and worries over their fate. Amanda is given a new crowning glory' but being disgruntled with her family tries to become part of a gypsy clan. Nils discovers a small Indian boy who has run away from the white man's boarding school and hides in man made caves near Grandmere's home and Charley meets men of his latest interest, buffalo soldiers'. Grandmere's son arrives home after thirty years of wandering to claim the homestead.