Mr. Montague, a renowned author who is undergoing research for his next book, moves in with Laura and Almanzo at their newly implemented boarding house. He proves to be quite an interesting and unexpected addition to the Walnut Grove community. Meanwhile, Mr. Edwards faces a moral dilemma when Philip Rogers - the biological father of his recently adopted son Matthew - shows up to reclaim the boy.
Matthew's life has taken a complete turn, thanks to the love and support of so many people in Walnut Grove, and he is now living happily with Mr. Edwards. The trouble is, a certain someone has called McQueen back to town, and the man will do anything to get the child back, even if it means a long and tedious court case.
A traveling side-show, run by Dr. Joshua McQueen, features the "Wild Boy of the North" as its main attraction. No older than about nine years old, the child escapes and ultimately seeks shelter with the Wilders. With the help of Doc Baker, they find some unsettling truths about this "wild boy."
