The film also features Margia Dean, Irving Bacon, Frank Gerstle, Baynes Barron, and William Vaughn.

The survivors of a squad of cavalry led by Sergeant Blake are escorting a prisoner, Corbin, back to their fort.

They encounter the survivors of a Texas cattle drive, all former Confederate soldiers led by Sam Prescott, who include the young Keith Williams who still hates northerners and has to be restrained from shooting Blake.

While the two groups are discussing their predicament, the Apache deliver a bound Teresa Santos, a young woman who is the only survivor of a raid on a nearby ranch.

Blake and Prescott agree to join forces and continue on foot to the fort, through Cimarron Pass.

Keith's first attempt is interrupted by an Apache attack but, in the aftermath, he challenges Blake, who easily defeats him.

As they continue towards the fort, Teresa collapses from exhaustion and Blake realises that the rifles are too heavy to carry any further.