Drum Beat

Johnny MacKay is summoned by President Grant and appointed as the territory's peace commissioner. He briefs government officials in Washington about the growing hostilities between settlers, soldiers, and Modoc renegades along the California-Oregon border. His mission is to seek a peaceful resolution and help restore order.

On the way west, Johnny agrees to escort Nancy Meek to her aunt and uncle's ranch. Their journey is plagued by danger, including an ambush outside Sacramento. The attack leaves the sweetheart of the stage driver Bill Satterwhite dead, and later they discover Nancy's aunt and uncle murdered and the ranch burned.

Toby and Manok, the grown children of a Modoc chief, meet Johnny at Fort Klamath and explain that Captain Jack and a band of renegades are responsible for much of the violence. They also make clear that most Modoc wish to live in peace. The pair act as intermediaries between Johnny and the Modoc.

Toby and Manok take Johnny and others to peace talks near Lost River to discuss violations of the 1864 treaty in hopes of restoring peace. The talks reveal deep tensions between enforcing the treaty and seeking coexistence with the Modoc. The aim is to prevent further bloodshed while addressing grievances on both sides.

During the discussions, a vengeful Satterwhite opens fire, killing the Modoc who had killed his lover. A rampage ensues, and the renegades massacre 18 settlers. The Army attempts to respond but is unable to dislodge the renegade Modoc from their mountain stronghold and withdraws, with casualties on both sides.

President Grant orders General Canby to act only in a defensive capacity. The failing peace efforts lead to renewed hostilities as Canby and his forces attempt to hold the line. The situation remains volatile and unstable as talks resume under signs of treachery.

A second round of peace talks is arranged, but Toby and Manok warn of treachery. Canby, Dr. Thomas, Johnny, and Mr. Dyar approach unarmed, while Johnny and Dyar hide revolvers under their shirts. During the negotiations Captain Jack fires, killing General Canby and Dr. Thomas; Johnny is wounded and unconscious, and Toby is killed shielding him. The Army responds, forcing the Modoc to retreat back toward their mountain stronghold.

Following the heavy losses, the Army dislodges the renegades from their mountain stronghold. The Modoc groups split up, and most of them surrender, leaving Captain Jack to operate on his own. Johnny continues the pursuit to bring Captain Jack to justice.

Johnny and Captain Jack finally meet in a climactic shootout and hand-to-hand confrontation. Johnny prevails and places Captain Jack under arrest. Captain Jack is jailed, tried, and sentenced to hang.

With justice served, Johnny returns to Nancy, the woman he has fallen in love with. Their reunion marks a quieter end to the violence that has dominated the territory.