Loaded Pistols

Gene Autry learns that his friend Ed Norton was killed during a late-night dice game. The incident becomes a catalyst for Gene's search to identify the killer and clear Ed's name. Ed had acted as guardian to Larry Evans and Mary, heightening the stakes for the investigation.

Gene tracks Larry to an old house where the accused man is hiding. Larry's sister Mary defends her brother, arguing that they both loved Ed and that Larry couldn't have killed him. Gene is convinced of Larry's innocence and offers to help them evade the sheriff while he searches for the real killer.

Gene discovers that Larry's gun was used as collateral in the dice game. With the lights going out, anyone could have grabbed the gun and fired at Ed. This revelation widens the pool of suspects and suggests the killer may be among the other players.

To avoid a posse, Gene takes Larry to the cabin of his prospector friend, Jim Hedge. Gene questions Larry about the game and Larry names Dave Randall or Don Mason as those who urged him to put up the gun. Gene shifts his suspicions toward Mason or Randall as the likely culprits.

Gene rides back into town to press the investigation and follow the new leads. He weighs the varying alibis and motives among the other players: Randall and Mason. Though the trail seems cold, Gene remains determined to uncover the truth.

Don Mason visits Mary Evans and offers to purchase the Evans ranch in exchange for helping Larry escape. The large sum underscores the motive to silence Ed Norton and secure the ore. Gene overhears the conversation and is shocked by the money involved.

Gene returns to Jim's cabin to warn Larry about the sheriff's approach. The sheriff follows, forcing them to keep a low profile. Larry misreads Gene's warning as betrayal, tightening the tension between them.

The following morning, Gene and Jim ride toward the Evans ranch where Larry is hiding. They anticipate a tense confrontation and plan to set things straight. Larry begins to realize that Gene is protecting him rather than betraying him.

At the ranch, a struggle unfolds as the true killers start to come into view. Gene notices Jim's compass behaving strangely, hinting at hidden influences or danger. The moment tightens the trap that will expose the culprits.

Gene orchestrates a trap that exposes Don Mason, Bill Otis, and Dave Randall as Ed Norton's killers. They murdered him to seize the iron ore on the Evans ranch. The revelation finally ties Ed's death to the ore-rush and the criminals behind it.

With the culprits revealed, Larry Evans is cleared of the crime. He and his sister Mary return to the ranch and its valuable iron ore, resuming their lives with the community's justice restored. Ed Norton's death is resolved as the true killers are brought to light.