Robbers of the Range

Greeley teams with railroad purchasing agent Rankin to mastermind a land grab, planning to snap up vast tracts before the railroad arrives. They rely on influence and intimidation to pressure ranchers into selling. This conspiracy sets the stage for Jim Drummond's later framing and the town's ensuing turmoil.

Rankin's henchmen ambush the stage carrying Jim, killing the driver and the deputy escort, along with Curly Yantis. Jim is arrested and taken toward Blue Mesa to stand trial. The brutal ambush marks Rankin's first decisive strike against those who oppose him.

En route to Blue Mesa, Jim drives the stage into town and presents himself as Curly Yantis to report the attack. He claims that Jim Drummond (the real Yantis) was killed. The ruse buys him time and deflects attention from the real culprits.

Smokey and Whopper arrive to corroborate Jim's story and confirm the sequence of events. Jim explains how Rankin's men framed Tremaine and the larger conspiracy at work. The truth begins to surface as witnesses speak up.

Roy Tremaine leads a protective association of ranchers who want to defend their lands. To expose Rankin's criminal activity, Jim joins Tremaine's faction and agrees to work for the ranchers. The groups pool resources to raise funds and counter Rankin's schemes.

Jim becomes attracted to Alice Tremaine, Tremaine's daughter, but she rebuffs him because of his association with Rankin and the gang. The tension adds a personal stake to the political conflict. Jim must balance love with loyalty in the fight ahead.

Monk and Greeley concoct a frame job, accusing Tremaine of murdering rancher Frank Higgins. The setup aims to topple Tremaine's influence and justify his prosecution. Jim and his allies vow to counter the charge and reveal the truth.

Jim and his companions seize Greeley and Monk, using them as leverage to secure Tremaine's exoneration. They plan to present the true evidence to clear Tremaine and expose Rankin's scheme. The moment marks a turning point in the town's fight against corruption.

Monk escapes custody and reports to Rankin about Jim's true identity, worsening Rankin's control over the town. Rankin's gang tightens their grip as the deadline for the trial approaches. The stage is set for a confrontation in Blue Mesa.

Railroad executive Colonel Lodge arrives in Blue Mesa to investigate the situation and review the charges. His presence signals official scrutiny and the possibility of redress if Tremaine is proven innocent. The town waits for a fair reckoning and relief from corruption.

A rigged jury convicts Tremaine for Higgins' murder, despite the mounting evidence of his innocence. Jim arrives at the courthouse with Greeley and the exonerating documents to prove Tremaine's innocence. The community braces for a reversal of the miscarriage of justice.

Rankin realizes his plot is exposed and prevents everyone from leaving the courthouse while he and his gang flee with the money. A gunfight erupts as the ranchers and Lodge's men pursue the crooks. The town erupts in action as justice seems within reach.

Lodge pledges to make things right with the ranchers and bring the criminals to justice. The crooks are captured after the firefight, and Tremaine is finally vindicated. The community looks toward rebuilding trust and stability.

Alice reconciles with Jim, accepting a future together despite the peril they faced. Whopper accidentally falls into Tremaine's well while admiring Alice's beauty, adding a comic, unfortunate moment to the finale. The story ends with the ranchers triumphant and the town healing.