In the fall of 1879, hotheaded Travis West is kept under control by his brother Ben, despite the fact that Waldo Spitz, a carpetbagger, had stolen their Texas land just ten years prior. When they discover Spitz has moved into New Mexico Territory, Travis refuses to leave the area. The brothers befriend the local sheriff and take up with a rancher named Middleton, who is fighting squatters and Spitz's greed. Travis meets Lisa Rawlins, who is traveling with a family of rawhiders, unaware she is their prisoner. On a trip north for Middleton, the brothers stumbles on the remains of robbery and murders. Unfairly blamed, they are arrested, but Lisa. who could prove them innocent, is hidden away. To Spitz's delight, the brothers are convicted, but the doubtful judge gives their attorney ten days to find lisa and bring her before the court. Travis escapes and goes after Lisa. With his horse lame, he had to settle for a tall, ornery, green-broke stallion that can open gates, among other tricks. Desperate to save Lisa and clear their names, the brothers face more than one violent confrontation with the rawhiders, but must also finish their fight with the furious Spitz and his gunmen in a deadly climax.