Hide hunters, hunters who kill buffalo for their hides only, have temporarily joined up with the wagon train. One of their number, Gib Ryker, is a sociopath who enjoys antagonizing young Barnaby West. 

Believing Annabelle Day from the train has been hired as a singer by Sam Race in his tent city, Barnaby West feels protective of her when he realizes she is just a saloon girl. In turn, Bill Hawks wants to protect both of them.