Trama

The ranchers, who are losing cattle and hold homesteaders as the prime suspects, nearly hang an innocent man. The Judge's decision to apply the law of the range to the suspected cattle thieves drives a wedge into the loyalty of his foreman.

Homesteaders have moved into the area and the ranchers are missing cattle so they suspect the homesteaders. They nearly hang homesteader Jubal Tatum when they think he stole a calf. During the incident his leg is broken and The Virginian feels obliged to help Jubal's family on their farm until he recovers. The Virginian tracks down the stolen cattle and determines the homesteaders are not the problem. When fellow rancher Major Cass pushes Judge Garth for action against all the homesteaders, The Virginian decides to come to Jubal's aid even if it means going against Judge Garth. While waiting for the army of ranchers to arrive, Jubal reveals more about his involvement to The Virginian.—Anonymous