The Man of the Forest opens up with the protagonist, Milt Dale, a lone ranger who has spent most of his life in the forest. Dale is a principled cowboy who respects the natural order of things. After spending years in the forest, Dale has developed remarkable survival skills.
One day, during his hunting trips, Dale overhears Beasley talking to Snake Anson, a hired gun. Beasley wants Anson to kidnap his rival’s nieces, Helen and Bo, who will be arriving from the Middle East the next morning. He intends to use Helen and Bo as hostages, force their uncle to give up his land. The next morning, with the help of the Beeman brothers, Dale springs into action and saves Helen and her sister by escaping into the forest. Anson and his band of thieves follow in pursuit.
With his knowledge and skills, Dale sets traps for his adversaries who are very determined. After a few days of pursuit, Dale encounters another cowboy named Doug who aids in their escape. As the story concludes, Dale safely delivers Helen and Bo to their uncle. Anson gives up his employer Beasley after he and his gang are captured.
