Before setting off in pursuit of the men who murdered his father, Will Sparrow learns how to handle a gun. Rufus Joad teaches him, but from then on, the old ranch hand can only stand by and watch. Many miles from his home, Will gets himself a job as a stable boy while he plans his reprisal on Oliver Patch and Tel Judkins. But then Laurel Wale happens along, and Will discovers his intentions aren't quite as clear-cut as he thought.