A telegraph line is being extended to a remote area in the American West, which is bad news for underhanded magnate Gus Lynch (Albert J. Smith), who takes advantage of the isolated locals by charging them hefty shipping fees. Knowing that the telegraph will help bring in supplies from outside sources, Lynch provokes nearby Native Americans into attacking the men building the line. Young cavalryman John Trent (John Wayne) investigates the ambush, leading to a showdown with the devious tycoon.