Marshal in Abilene, Kansas, is sent to stop the mysterious "Phantom Riders" from disrupting the cattle drives across the Chisholm Trail and construction of a new railroad.
The opposition, unknown to Hickok, is led by Morrell in league with Joshua Bruce and wagon-train malcontent Scudder.
Hickok befriends the locals in Texas, including bartender Snake-Eyes, print-shop owner Danny, halfbreed brave Jerry, and most of the young boys in the area (whom he deputizes so they can report their observations to him).
"[2] It became a huge success in theaters, according to a tally published in Motion Picture Herald and Film Daily.
In addition to his screen name, he gained such trademarks as buckskins, reversed holsters and the catchphrase "I'm a peaceable man," from this serial.