Sackett is escaping a band of Mexicans and a noose on back of a stolen horse.

Nolan Sackett is passing through Indian country, and comes across a wagon with a girl (Sylvie), her brothers (Ralph& Andrew). They are stranded without horses, and seem ready to kill Sackett for his ride. He is of course not going to let this happen. Not trusting them, he still agrees to go after their horses that have been led off by another cowboy. Later he rides through a war party of Kiowas, escaping only by not allowing them to see his fear. When stopping in a Mexican village, he agrees to guide a young girl (Penelope) along with her escorts Mr. Lumos and Flinch through the canyon. When he mentions the group he ran across, and his mistrust for them, his suspicions seem confirmed when he notices the expressions of alarm on their faces.

Nolan learns that Penelope is traveling in search of a gold inheritance, and Sylvie (near relative) heard about the treasure when listening to the reading of Penelope's grandmother's will. Sylvie will stop at nothing to get the gold, and it is beginning to seem as if Penelope's traveling partners may have hidden motives for escorting her. Nolan agrees to guide them to a place called "Rabbit Ears," between two mountains, once there he is paid for his services and dismissed.

But, Nolan can't leave after thinking of the danger Penelope faces. He turns back and after a number of shooting confrontations with various parties, he rescues Penelope and they ride off together with the gold.

La'mour didn't make Penelope seem so helpless towards the end, and I liked the fact that she stood up for herself and showed her strength. Nolan was a rugged outlaw with a kind heart. I learned a lot about survival and how to read people from Nolan's tactics and his encounters with Indians, and criminals. ( )

Nolan Sackett's attempts to elude a posse hunting him for murder are complicated when he stops to rescue two women who appear to be in trouble. ( )