As in most stories, there are minor problems and also the main conflicts of the story. The minor problems Matt faced in the cabin right away are worth mentioning before getting to the first major conflict at the cabin.

One could say the first problem in Matt's cabin was the isolation and loneliness Matt felt as soon as his father left him alone to go on a journey and retrieve his mother. Other minor problems Matt faced in the cabin were that the fire went out during the night and his constant need to leave the cabin to hunt for food. Matt also fought mosquitoes at the cabin as well as his fear of Indians.

However, the first big conflict in the story happened at the cabin and involved a stranger who appeared out of nowhere. He was a large, loud man named Ben who made himself at home despite Matt's misgivings. His presence made Matt nervous but Matt tried to be courteous. However, after spending the night at the cabin, the man woke before Matt and disappeared, stealing Matt's only protection, an heirloom rifle his father left him.