There were hard times in Texas in 1875. It seemed to the ranchmen that the whole world had stopped eating Texas beef - and to add to their troubles, a gang of rustlers was killing cattle at night and skinning them on the spot, taking away the only part that would bring cash on the market. To the ranchers' aid comes broad-shouldered Ben Anthony, with his slow, lazy smile. His lovely girl, Bess, has gotten herself engaged to dubious Harry Odell, who is suspected of collaborating with the rustlers - and what can drawling Ben do against a slick line of talk? Act, of course, and he does! Before things are finally straightened out, there is plenty of trouble, fights and killings, with good men pitted against bad.