Jim Hardie is sent to investigate the shooting death of the Wells Fargo employee, Charley Dormer. Upon looking at the body Jim determines he was shot at very close range indicating it was likely someone he knew. Hardie sits down with Sheriff Eaton who tells Hardie that he thinks the case is open and shut although he can't prove it. He believes Clyde Bender did it. Bender is currently the school teacher in the town but he is an ex-outlaw and convict. Hardie knows him as he sent him to Marysville Prison years ago. Hardie visits Len Spears who is a part time funeral director. Hardie picks out the most expensive casket and arranges for a speaker at the funeral - Clyde Bender. Spears has high praise for Bender's teaching ability. However, stableman Hank Stiles will not allow his charge, young Danny Stiles to study or even contact Bender who loans Danny books to read. Hardie meets with Bender who is friendly but still resentful about the way some people treat him. Hardy soon suspects Bender is innocent but how to prove the true guilty party?
—Anonymous