Sheriff Jim Gannon's wife-to-be, Kate, is killed by a sniper, triggering a chain of events that brings the lawman into a conflict with bullying Jack Clayton and his sons. Gannon is drawn into a web of treachery, robbery and murder, involving stolen Union gold and a mysterious renegade Confederate soldier - Clay McIntire. Gannon tracks down the outlaws and learns of their secret past. Then realizes, perhaps too late, that his life is in danger from friend and foe alike.