Flint, scouting, discovers the next two water holes are dry and the third one is poisoned but not before it kills his horse. Adams looking for the overdue Flint finds him dehydrated and out of his mind. The option left is for a rider to go to Fort Paiute for help but no one but Flint knows the route. Adams, Garth Redmon, and Rev. Sumpter have long suspected that Monty Britton may be a deserter but he denies being in the Army and his wife Betty has not refuted it. Monty in discussions with Adams reveals he has seen maps of the area and that they need someone to go to Fort Paiute. Adams does not trust Monty and asks Garth who is single to go but he refuses. Monty is tormented about what to do and when the train is down two canteens of water, he takes it and the best horse on his own to go for help. After a sandstorm, the train receives help from the Fort and everyone learns the truth about the nearly dead Monty who rescued them.
—Anonymous