At the town of Stark Bluff, Duke stops by to visit an old friend, only to find that friend is now dead. His widow is forced to work for Zeb Stark, who is ruthless in his intimidation of everyone, including elected officials.

Barnaby and Charlie talk Chris Hale into hiring legendary mountain man Zebedee Titus as a scout. The nearly 80 year old Zeb's failing eyesight leads to problems including Coop's being captured by the Comanche Zeb couldn't see.