While crossing the Nebraska plains on the way to his brother Ian’s ranch, Kirby Gradishaw runs into trouble–Jory Corson, a horse-stealing bush whacker; and, maybe, luck–Hardy Buskins, an old-time mustanger, who tells him about a fortune that’s ripe for the taking. But knowing about and finding are two different things, Kirby discovers, especially when the trail is lined with men who would kill for no reason at all. Kirby’s friendship with Swift Pony, a young Poche Ute, angers the townspeople of Pueblo, Colorado, who, incited by Major Paulson, are ready to wipe out the Indians. And Kirby has a way about him that arouses the anger of most people he meets. Aside from finding the treasure, Kirby has another reason for staying in Pueblo. Hardy Buskins didn’t make it to town, and Kirby promised the old man to break the news to his daughter, Quentin, who was to arrive on the stage. Kirby’s adventures lead him into the mountains in search of a lost army payroll just as winter is descending, with a gang of cutthroats on the backtrail and Indians ready for the warpath ahead. And weaving in and out of the tale is the mysterious Ghost Girl, phantom of the mountains.