The increasing tension between farmers and cattlemen explodes into the range wars of the 1870s: rancher Oliver Seccombe falls for Charlotte Buckland and farmer Hans Brumbaugh decides to take the law into his own hands.

After settling in Centennial, the Wendells continue to cheat and trick their way to wealth, while Sheriff Dumlre tries to find evidence against them In a murder case. Charlotte Venneford returns from England to join Jim Lloyd. The Wendells fleece a preacher out of his home and take aim on a second mark, bringing Sheriff Dumire into a battle of wits with Philip Wendell; Oliver Seccombe dies and his widow Charlotte takes over the management of the ranch.