Sheriff Ben Stillman knows that every lawman could face sudden death. But that doesn't ease his anger over Marshal Boomhauer's brutal murder. And old Charlie's shoes have already been filled by his brash, young deputy - who isn't exactly out shaking the bushes to find the killers. The new marshal is blaming the murder on a band of gypsies who moved north - or was it south? It's becoming clear that the town of Lone Pine has something to hide.