Older cowhand Slim Jessup is accused of killing a man in Idaho and escapes east. He signs on with a Shiloh Ranch cattle drive to Moose Jaw, Saskatchewan. On the way the drovers are joined by a young man, who wishes a different life than dirt farming with his widowed step-father. The older Slim takes James under his wing and teaches him lessons in life before his past catches up with him.

A seaman moving to Wyoming meets twin sisters traveling there with Trampas. When he takes an interest in one of them, she makes a tragic request of him that reveals not only to him but Judge Garth the true nature of the twins relationship.