The man owes Sabata $5,000 from sometime ago. Then the circus manager runs off with the circus funds, so Sabata decides to stay in town and try to collect on the debt from his friend. Sabata then runs into conflict with the town's land baron, McIntock, who imposes high taxes on gambling, drinking and prostitution with the supposed idea of building the town up, using the money.
Sabata is indebted to $5,000 by an earlier date. After the circus manager embezzles the funds, Sabata decides to stay in town and try to collect from his friend. However, he runs into conflict with McIntock, the town's landowner, who imposes hefty taxes on vices such as gaming, drinking, and prostitution, supposedly to boost the town's economy.