The drive picks up 750 head of cattle from a cattle dealer Craddock. The drovers are shocked a lone man Clay Forrester arrives with the herd. He asks to join the drive so Favor hires him but he starts on drag. Clay arouses Gil's suspicions, because his cockiness and leadership ability are at odds with his willingness to start at the bottom. Clay makes side trips to see Craddock and his gang as they track the herd planning to steal it. The men notice a woman walking a horse and offer help. The horse threw a shoe but Shelia Brewster refuses their offer of help until Favor tells her she will need protection from cougars at night. Hey Soos tells Favor the horse is an Army mount which Favor already noticed along with the Army saddle. Upon further questioning, he finds she is engaged to an Army officer but has decided she doesn't want that life. Tender-hearted Favor takes her in until she can ride with Wishbone going to town. Clay chews out Shelia for attitude but in turn Shelia touches a nerve in Clay who tells Craddock he is calling off the deal as Craddock will still make a profit when the cattle are sold. When the men start disappearing, Clay comes clean and Favor is forced to trust him.
—David Stevens