Retired sea captain Jim McKay arrives at the West to marry fiancée Pat Terrill's expanse. McKay can be a person whose worth and approach to life are a mystery into ranch foreman and the ranchers . Pat is egotistical, spoiled and controlled Major Henry Terrill, by her father. The Major is involved with a rough hewn clan directed by Rufus Hannassey, over-watering rights at a ruthless civil war. Julie Maragon owns the property involved and Terrill and Hannassey want to buy.