As sheriff of Catron County in New Mexico Territory, Cotton Burke has put his life on the line against some of the West's most unrepentant outlaws. Like Virgil Cruz - who's kidnapped the woman Cotton loves. Memphis Jack Stump used to wear a badge until one drink too many cost him his job and his friendship with Cotton. But he's the only man Cotton trusts to infiltrate Cruz's gang and take them down before the bandit exacts a terrible revenge.