The train encounters an old man lost and dying in the desert. With rest and water he recovers and continues with the train helping as needed. They know little about his background but the Major notices he frequently handles problems successfully with no regard to the danger to himself. The train is plagued with several problems between members of the train often centered around photographer Elliott Garrison. The English baby is sick with a fever that soon attacks the Major. The stranger recognizes the fever as fatal without medical attention. He makes a native herbal remedy which breaks the Major's fever. When he awakes, Adams asks the man, Cain, to help run the train until the Major recovers. Two soldiers arrive looking for Andrew Hale, a minister, who left the train he was leading after he may have killed a member of the train. Cain ponders his situation and the next day during the Sunday services he tells the people the truth about his background. After the service the soldiers leave - without Hale but a message that his people want him back.
—Anonymous