Since the day Karl Sands had rescued Floria from a frozen death and brought her to the ranch to recover, there had been an ominous atmosphere hanging over the once-peaceful Lazy S. Then, in one burst of smoke, it was over. Frank Sands, Karl's foster father, was blinded by a bullet and Floria was dead. And with her dying breath, she accused Karl. The dead woman's testimony against him was evidence enough, and Karl became an outcase. He was hunted by some -- and haunted by Jeudi, the dancehall girl who believed in him enough to help him escape. Driven by desperation, Karl finally found someone who could prove him innocent -- but that man was the killer himself!