A ferry captain fights off bandits who want him to transport stolen goods.

Jake Remy's marauders attack and loot the town of Buckskin, Arizona. Anxious to cross the Paria River into Mexico, three of the bandits enter the town of Lonely Dell, intending to commandeer the ferry operated by Travis. Taken prisoner, the ferryboat captain is rescued by Mountain Phil. Killing two of the bandits, Travis and Mountain Phil keep the third as a hostage. Arriving in Lonely Dell, Remy learns that Travis has transported the town's population to the other side of the river. Although Remy offers booty for passage, Travis refuses. Unaware that Lonely Dell is occupied by the band, villager Roland, hunting during the town's evacuation, falls into Remy's hands. When the bandit offers to exchange Roland for use of the ferry, Travis refuses, despite the sexual favors promised by the hostage's wife. That night, however, Travis and Mountain Phil swim the Paria, stampede Remy's horses, and rescue Roland. The hostage's wife then honors the agreement. Desperate, the band builds a raft and crosses the river. In midstream the barque is intercepted by Travis' ferry. On board are the townspeople, who slaughter the marauders.