To the Confederate prisoners of the Civil War the offer seemed almost too good to be true: volunteer to fight the Indians and receive freedom in return. Captain Terrance saw the chance to escape the living hell of the prison and ordered his men to enlist the special corps. Now he has the opportunity to look for the fabulous gold of the Red Hills-and to strike a blow of the South in the war, which is all important to him.

Army deserter John Terril flees to Texas, where he becomes the victim of a crime. Seeking vengeance lands him in jail, but he escapes and tracks the murderous Diego Armijo to the Staked Plains for his last chance at retribution.