The Major and party find a Pawnee Indian strung up and left to die. Back at the wagon train they find he is not who he appears to be. The mystery deepens as the Shoshonees, who hung him there, are still after him and getting closer.
The train stumbles on a Pawnee brave staked out between two poles for death in the manner reserved by the Shoshoneees for their bravest enemies. Against Flint's advice, Adams cuts him down and returned to the train. He recovers enough at the train to take Mary Naughton hostage and speak until he learns he will come to no harm. They learn he is actually white and of Mexican descent so Don Luis Salazar volunteers to take care of him with the aid of Mary but against the wishes of many on the train including Mary's brother Jocko. His real name is Jose Maria Moran whose parents were Sapnish aristocrats in California and he has a significant inheritance waiting for him. Over time the train members learn Moran has a complicated background but grudgingly develop a respect for him while a relationship blossoms with Mary. Flint makes contact with the Shoshonees learning they want Moran or they will attack. Adams puts the options to the members of the train for their decision on what to do. Moran has his say as well.—Anonymous