Plot

Hardie brings an Army payroll into an Army fort under Indian attack. The only commander left, a green Lieutenant, is uncertain of his command and doubted by his men. Jim believes helping him will pay off when his true character comes out.

Jim Hardie is riding on a stage as shotgun guard carrying the Army payroll for Fort Laramie. The stage is supposed to be met by an Army patrol led by Major Nesbitt from Fort Anderson but instead three Apaches attack killing the driver. Hardie is able to repel the others and make it to Fort Anderson. He has one passenger, Mrs. Oliver, the wife of an officer at Fort Laramie. There he learns that Fort Anderson is barely manned and low on supplies. Major Nesbitt was to return with supplies and replacements as well as meet the stage. A bit later Major Nesbitt's body arrives on a horse propped up with a lance in his back. It is a pretty clear sign that Major Nesbitt's patrol has been wiped out. Sgt. Condon and the men are worried as Lt. Kimball, the lone officer, is green and lost. The Army was not his wish but his family always had a member attend West Point from which he did graduate. He and Hardie discuss the situation with Kimball initially hitting the bottle for strength but Hardie keeps his faith in the Lieutenant as the Apaches test the fort.—Anonymous