In the Arizona of the 1870's, cowboy Gil Shepard kills a notorious outlaw, Beaumont, and then rides into town to collect the $8,000 reward. The dead man's partner, Johnny Barnes, however, also shows up to claim the reward. A further complication is the sudden appearance of 18-year-old Martin Beaumont, who has sworn to slay his brother's killer. The sheriff decides to settle the matter by taking all concerned out to Beaumont's grave. On the trail, young Martin's pretty guardian, Amy Carter, becomes attracted to Shepard but is unable to understand his lust for money. When the outlaw's grave is opened, it is discovered that the Apaches, who worshiped Beaumont, have removed his body. Barnes turns on the sheriff and kills him but is himself mortally wounded during an Indian raid. Before dying, however, he provides cover for the others to escape. Once safe, Shepard decides that Amy's love is more important than the reward, and a more mature Martin realizes that his brother deserved to die.