When marshal Chase Farlow responds to a break-in at Macy's gun store, he has no inkling of the ignominy it will unleash. The unfortunate shooting of a young tearaway forces him to leave the New Mexico town of Quemado in disgrace. It matters not that he has only been doing his duty. The boy in question is mayor Abner Stanton's son. Although the boy's injury is only superficial, Stanton uses this as the perfect excuse to rid himself of the marshal. The highly principled lawman has become a thorn in his side and the mayor wants him gone. Can Chase somehow resurrect his tarnished reputation?