A relief patrol is on its way to Fort Courageous with its new commanding officer, Captain Howard, and a prisoner, Sergeant Lucas, who has just been court-martialed. As they near the fort, they come upon a roving band of Indians, and after a skirmish in which Howard is wounded, they rescue two women. Lucas assumes command of the column, and with the aid of Joe, an Indian scout, they reach the fort. Once inside, the patrol discovers that the detachment has been wiped out. The only survivor, a major, is ready for retirement and is anxious to leave for the East. The major is forced to retain command, however, when Howard dies of his wounds. He attempts to leave the fort under a truce flag but is quickly killed by Indians. Joe also is killed when he goes to scout for possible avenues of escape. Although the Indians attack again and again, they are repulsed each time by the small band of brave soldiers led by Lucas. Finally the Indians hurl the lance of gallantry over the parapet in recognition of the valiant fight put up by the few defenders. As the survivors proudly march out of the fort, they look forward to a new life in the East.