 1863. Texas Ranger Todd Croyden and Union spy Whitney Randolph cross into Mexico to investigate a growing struggle for power between the French-supported Maximilian and the native-born Benito Juarez. In Mexico they meet General Liguras, who is loyal to Juarez, and the beautiful Madeline -- daughter of or wife to the powerful and manipulative Basil Danzeeger. Croyden falls for Madeline but soon runs afoul of Danzeeger who condemns him to be pulled apart between two horses.