This synopsis contains spoilers. Emmett Kaysinger and his outlaw sons are virtually impossible to convict because they kill all witnesses to their crimes. By a fluke, Matt is able to charge Emmett's son Cory with horse stealing. The itinerant Judge Kendall comes to Dodge City for the trial, frustrated that he has only one Kaysinger before him, and orders Cory be transported to Hays City. Unknown to anyone except his good friend Doc Adams, the judge has a fatal heart condition. Kendall lays a trap for the Kaysingers. He sets out for Hays with Cory, knowing the Kaysingers will follow to rescue the young outlaw and that Matt will not be far behind. When Emmett and his other sons catch up to the judge and his prisoner, there is a shootout and Judge Kendall is mortally wounded, giving Matt the evidence he needs to charge the entire Kaysinger family with murder.