In the 1870's, the Texas Rangers are formed in response to the lawlessness in the Texas area. Major Burton is encouraged by the United States Army to begin ranching in Texas in order to raise horses for the cavalry. He is assured that the presence of the Rangers will aid his efforts. In Pecos City, however, Judge Blake enforces his own laws, which results in everyone either participating in his schemes or losing their money to Blake in court. Hearing of Burton's arrival, Blake plans to steal all of his horses and sell them himself. When Burton learns that his horses are stampeding, he and his foreman, Bob Jordan, ride out to investigate. Worried about her father, Burton's daughter Alice follows. Burton is killed during the encounter with the rustlers, one of whom steals his wallet before Alice finds the body. Steve Ainslee, a cowboy, gets a job as a cowboy with Blake's men. He watches them re-brand the horses, but says nothing. In Dodge City, the horses are sold, and payment is made in the form of a check made out to Blake. Steve is really a Ranger who has been sent to investigate Burton's murder. He steals the check from the foreman during a fistfight and suggests to his partner, Jeff Carter, that they give the check to Blake and arrest him when he cashes it. When Alice and her aunt Carrie come into town in search of Judge Blake, to arrange the probate of Burton's will, Steve speaks to Alice privately, telling her that he believes Blake is involved in her father's death. Meanwhile Blake learns that his check was stolen, but when Steve tries to give it to him, Alice recognizes her father's wallet, creating the perfect opportunity for the suspicious Blake to arrest him. After his arrest, Alice tells Blake that Steve claimed to be a Ranger and gives Blake her father's will and the deed to the ranch for safekeeping. Anxious to get rid of Steve, Blake instigates a lynch mob. Anticipating this move, Jeff helps Steve escape from jail. As Steve leads the mob on a wild goose chase, Jeff steals Alice's papers from Blake's safe. The two men meet at the Burtons'. Blake's men discover their horses outside, and Steve sneaks away to find reinforcements. The Rangers arrive just in time to arrest Blake, clearing the way for Steve to marry Alice.