Maverick and Bransford share a stagecoach with Marshal Zane Cooper, and together the three set out of Crystal River, narrowly escaping falling into a ravine to their deaths when their elderly coachman suddenly dies, and later aiding migrant missionary settlers who have been waylaid by bandits disguised as Indians. The settlers offer Maverick a percentage of the recovered money they desperately need to start their mission, while one spinster missionary suggests marriage to Cooper, but both men turn down their offers. The trio and the settlers are then suddenly cornered by a large band of real Indians led by Joseph. His companions are unaware that Joseph and Maverick are good friends; Maverick "sacrifices" himself to allow his companions' escape. Joseph owes $1,000 to Maverick; they swindle that amount from a Russian Archduke with a scheme that "allows" him to hunt and kill an Indian (Maverick, in disguise).