The wealthiest landowner in the province of Spanish-controlled Alta California has sent away to Spain for a suitable bridegroom for his beautiful daughter, Ortiza Tarabal. Francisco Valdez arrives with his slave, an Englishman known as El Rojo, a courageous man who has made some enemies among the ruling class, but has the devotion of the Indians. El Rojo also has the very dangerous love of Ortiza Tarabal, despite her betrothal to Francisco Valdez and the wrath of her father.