Store clerk Levi Zendt journeys home back to Pennsylvania. A raging snowstorm turns the Colorado Rockies and prairielands into a sub-arctic hell. Sheriff Dumlre has his first encounter with the Wendells, a family of con-artists. 

The comeback of Clemma, an "old flame," temporarily chills the romance blossoming on Venneford Ranch between the Widow Charlotte and her rough-hewn foreman. Charlotte depends heavily on Jim Lloyd, and also falls in love with him despite their divergent backgrounds. However, en route to marriage, Jim rekindles an earlier romance with the half-breed Clemma Zendt, granddaughter of the late Pasquinel. Clemma soon discovers she's no match for the strong-willed Charlotte, who takes matters in her own hands. Meantime, Sheriff Dumire and young Philip Wendell patch up their feud when Philip warns the sheriff —whose demise would insure family prosperity and security — of an impending gun attack. Back on the farm, Hans Brumbaugh welcomes the relatives of Nacho, the first Mexican immigrant. They arrive in Colorado after overcoming many obstacles along the route. Mervin and Maude Wendell, masters of con artistry, continue their "game" when Mervin enters the real estate business and begins amassing a fortune.