Heck Claibourne has been involving young Russ Whitely in his cattle rustling schemes, and when they are nearly caught by Sheriff Doug Barrett and deputy O'Hara, their cohort, Luke, shoots and kills O'Hara. Heck and Russ return to the ranch where Russ works before Doug arrives and act as though they have been there all along. In private Doug, who is fond of Russ and is engaged to Russ's boss, ranch owner Diane, asks the boy to stay away from Heck, because he is aware of Heck's illegal activities and fears injuring Russ while bringing Heck to justice. Russ denies his involvement with Heck's gang. Later, Doug asks Diane if she would break their engagement and try to influence Russ to go straight, as Russ has long been in love with her. Diane promises to try, and announces her broken engagement to Russ. Doug is pressured by Baker, leader of the ranchers, to capture the rustlers, but Doug is reluctant to use his gun without first having proof.