Colonel Tucker commands the Rebel prisoners in one northern prison. He’s a man of Georgia and word is that Sherman is laying waste to the south, headed for the area. The offer is made to him and his men that if they swear allegiance to the north, they will be given their freedom and sent west. Cavalry is needed to fight the Apache.

Captain Bradford is the officer who makes the offer, Tucker accepts(and is reduced to Lieutenant) on the promise they won’t have to do anything against Southern people, and the two men become friends on the ride. Also accompanying them is the widow Kenniston, her year of mourning over and headed for California where she has family(she’s Hispanic).