Clint Tracy returned to Montana after receiving a letter from his father asking for his help. On entering the valley where his father's ranch was located, he is accosted at gunpoint by the foreman, Ramage, of a neighbouring ranch. It turns out that this man has planned to ruin other ranchers by rustling their cattle, staging shootings and raids thus frightening them into leaving.

When Tracy tries to help another rancher and his daughter, it comes out that he had killed the rancher's son who they are hoping is on his way home to help save their ranch. The fight had been fair and Tracy had found the letter pleading for the son's return on his body and decided to come back to assist.
All is forgiven when Tracy breaks up the the foreman, Ramage's hired guns and plans to take over the valley. A fast paced story that follows Louis L'Amour's advice to start with action on the first page. ( )