Allen Stryker and his buddy, Captain Curly Tey, receive permission from Hogan, Governor of the Valley, to explore outside the Valley. With thieving bandits popping up all over, Allen has a hard time avoiding them after Curly is slain. He determines to rescue a female who seems to be broadcasting distressing emotions. When he finds her, he and Jo have a fight on their hands escaping the cruel head of a band of cutthroats, a man named Ramsey. He covets Jo and makes every effort to get her back, not caring who gets killed in the process.. The Watsons, a family Allen meets on the way, are helpful, and all hope to reach the safety of the Valley.