Delia is determined to avenge the tragic deaths of her parents; her prospector father's by shooting and her mother's suicide from grief.

Clara Brand is secretary to Dan Jackson, who runs a grubstaking business for local prospectors, and has just lost her job.

In the middle of Delia's argument with Dan, she hears noises outside the office and discovers that Quin has been knocked unconscious by someone whom he hasn't seen.

When Delia returns to the office to confront Dan once again, she finds him dead and is arrested for his murder, due to her earlier incautious statements.

Other characters of interest include Delia's lawyer and suitor, Tyler Dillon; millionaire playgirl Wynne Cowles, known to all as the "Mountain Cat," who has come to Cody for her second divorce in two years; and illiterate prospector Squint Hurley.