Relentless

In the local saloon, prospectors Len Briggs and Bob Pliny boast about finding a gold mine. Tex Brandaw and Jim Rupple overhear and decide to follow them to steal the mine. Drifter Nick Buckley arrives seeking shelter for his pregnant mare, and the prospectors offer him a drink and a place to stay before Tex suggests using an empty stall instead.

The prospectors return to their cabin, where Tex and Jim lie in ambush. A deadly confrontation leaves Briggs and Pliny dead and the map revealing the mine's location in the killers' hands. Tex and Jim divide the map into two halves to prevent cheating and split up with plans to meet later.

Tex reveals he won't share the map and bushwhacks Jim on the trail, taking Jim's half in the process. Jim pursues Tex on foot and runs into Nick, who has just left town with his weary mare. Jim seizes Nick's mare at gunpoint and rides off, hoping to catch Tex.

An angry Nick catches up with Jim and kills him in a gunfight. Tex witnesses the showdown and pretends to be an innocent passerby, promising to back up Nick's self-defense story before the sheriff. He even offers to carry Jim's body back to town to inform the sheriff of the facts.

Nick leaves the scene to aid his helpless foal, Storm, born on the trail. He continues trekking with the foal, determined to keep it alive despite exhaustion and danger. The death of Nick's mare underscores the high price of pursuit.

Tex tells the sheriff that Nick killed Jim and the two prospectors, thereby framing Nick for the murders. Nick remains unaware that a manhunt has begun in his name. The sheriff's posse is dispatched to pursue him.

The sheriff's posse rides out, chasing Nick across the countryside. Nick, oblivious to the charges, presses on with Storm as he tries to stay ahead of the law. Tension mounts as the manhunt closes in.

On the trail, Nick meets Luella Purdy, owner of a traveling general store, who believes his self-defense story. She agrees to help care for Storm and buys a burro from an old prospector so they can travel more easily. Their alliance offers Nick a glimmer of hope to clear his name.

Luella's belief strengthens Nick's resolve as they work to care for the foal and plan their next move. They bond as practical partners, sharing supplies and courage in the harsh landscape. The growing friendship becomes a lifeline against Tex's deceit.

Sheriff Jeff Moyer arrives and charges Nick with the murders. Nick escapes custody and heads off to pursue Tex, determined to prove his innocence. The pursuit becomes a personal quest to expose Tex's conspiracy.

With the charges pressing in, Nick goes after Tex on his own terms. He follows the trail toward Tex's likely position, aiming to clear his name and reclaim his reputation. The story narrows to a final confrontation between Nick and Tex.