Simon Fry arrests a ""Drifter"" for shooting a man, stealing his wife, and then shooting her. He takes the Drifter to a jail in the nearby town but, when a lynch-mob gathers, moves him on to Silver City. Following him is a landowner named Akins and several of Akins' cronies who are anxious for some quick ""justice."" Fran McCord believes the Drifter's pleas of innocence and persuades brother Clay to help Fry transport the prisoner to a trial in Prescott. Before this happens, Akins tricks the Drifter into making a jailbreak but this plan fails. On the trail to Prescott, Akins again makes a move against the Drifter which Fry and Clay thwart. Fry then reveals to Clay evidence of the Drifter's guilt.

Vivian Vance as widow Emma Gant, who tries to enlist Fry's help in protecting her property from greedy ranchers. Fry: Henry Fonda. McCord: Allen Case. Billy: Robin Riley. Fran: Betty Lou Keim.

Fry enlists the help of a clergyman's sister to clear McCord of a murder charge. Fry: Henry Fonda. McCord: Allen Case. Blanche: Lillian Bronson. Rev. Cartwright: Willard Sage.

Protection racketeers invade Silver City, planning to replace the small merchants with a chain of stores. Beatrice: Phyllis Avery. Fry: Henry Fonda. Fletcher: Paul Dubov. Briscoe: Kim Spalding. McCord: Allen Case. Fran: Betty Lou Keim.