Tyler Killdeere, the last Killdeere not dead or in prison, is wounded and on the run when he sees a prisoner delivery going down in the streets of a small town. He’s busily reminding himself he must not attract attention, and besides it ain’t none of his business, when a pretty widow, Kate Courtland, runs out to shield her wounded Uncle Tom, the marshal. A gunman points his rifle directly at her.

Kildeeres, mean and deadly as they are, respect women. When the dust settles, the gunman is dead. Ty lowers his guns and Kate, who knows he is an outlaw on the run, thanks him.

A judge who doesn’t know Ty appoints him acting marshal until Tom Courtland is on his feet. The Bigbees (only some of the town’s nemeses) aren’t about to let the marshal hang the big man’s son. Ty might die here on the streets from Bigbee’s guns or with a rope around his neck, if hey tumble to who he is, but he’s taken the job and he’ll play out the hand or die trying. There is no way he can leave until he’s sure Kate is safe.