Mitch Ellsworth wants a new, uneventful life. With a history that include Civil War service with the notorious Quantrill raiders, post-war banditry and a considerable stretch in a Missouri prison, he hopes to put his past behind him. Responding to a plea for help from Bob Carlin, a childhood friend and companion in their youthful escapades, Mitch arrives only to discover Carlin wants his help with an imminent bank robbery. When Mitch refuses, he is shot by his angry friend and left for dead. After a lingering recovery, Mitch finds he is a wanted man, mistaken for a member of the Carlin gang who was wounded in the bank robbery violence. Mitch must now set out on a danger-filled journey to avenge his friend's betrayal and clear his name, all the while haunted by remembrance of his yesteryear--Publisher's description.