 Sheriff Bob Bartlett (Bob Baker) is called away from the rodeo to apprehend cattle rustlers. His deputy, Tom Morrison (Reed Howes), is shot in an ambush by rustler Luke Grimes (Tex Palmer), and the rustlers, including Bob s pal Russ Whiteley (Carleton Young), get away. Suspicious of Russ s connections with the gang led by Heck Claibourne (Jack Kirk), Bob will not act without proof. Community leader Lem Walker (Forrest Taylor) insinuates that Bob is reluctant to round up the rustlers because of his friendship with Russ. The arrival of Bat Morrison (Glenn Strange), Tom s brother, makes matters tense, especially when Bat is appointed deputy sheriff and insists that Bob arrest the rustler who shot his brother. Bob, Bat and Walker are arresting Luke Grime when Bat suddenly shoots him. Diane Allen (Marge Champion as Marjorie Bell) blames the unwarranted shooting on Bob.