When his five-year prison term for crimes committed during the Civil War is up, Ben Harvey is eager to return to his hometown of Gila. Harvey hires Paladin to keep him protected on the way to Gila.

Paladin rides upon a man named Stryker hanging from a tree. When he learns Paladin is after the same man but with a warrant, he says he has stronger reasons and hopes he won't get in his way.