In Santa Rita the Virginian meets an old flame Savannah, who has been seeing a very jealous local man Gordie Madden. Savannah is accused of murdering Madden and the Virginian gets Judge Garth to come and defend her. However, the cards are stacked against them as Madden's wealthy father controls the town and wants revenge.

Garth takes on a parolee that The Virginian has an interest in who has been in an orphanage or prison since he was a baby. He has trouble adjusting to life outside prison and Garth is worried about Betsy's growing interest in him.