Stagecoach to Denver

Red is working as a stagecoach driver, and he's transporting Dickie, a young orphan child, on the first stagecoach from Elkhorn to Denver. Dickie is traveling alone, with the purpose of meeting his only surviving relative, his aunt in Denver. The journey is significant as it sets the stage for the events to come.

Dickie is headed to Denver to meet his aunt and to reunite with his only known family. He is also carrying news about the town’s dishonest land dealings, which puts him in danger. His destination in Denver is crucial for his future and the unfolding plot.

The Land Commissioner is traveling to Denver to report corruption involving the town’s boss, Big Bill Lambert. Lambert desires to control communications and prevent the report from reaching Denver, ensuring his dishonest dealings remain hidden. The Commissioner’s journey is critical to exposing corruption.

Big Bill Lambert’s henchmen stop the stagecoach under false pretenses, distracting the driver. They then sabotage the horse harness, causing the stagecoach to go off a cliff. The driver and the Land Commissioner are killed, but Dickie is left paralyzed from the incident. This event significantly alters the course of the story.

Doctor in the town diagnoses Dickie as paralyzed and needing a risky surgical procedure to walk again. The surgery can only be approved by Dickie’s next of kin, prompting the characters to seek his aunt in Denver. This creates a sense of urgency for relay of information.

Red devises a plan to send a telegraph from a mine connected to a mine near Denver, relaying urgent news about Dickie’s condition and the need for his aunt and the new Land Commissioner. This step is crucial to prevent Lambert’s plans from succeeding.

Big Bill Lambert’s henchmen attempt to stop Red from sending the telegraph, fearing that the message will expose his corrupt dealings. However, their efforts fail, allowing the vital information to reach Denver, which could threaten Lambert’s schemes.

In Denver, Big Bill’s associates plan to substitute an impersonator for the real Land Commissioner and Aunt to cover their tracks. A tough woman from Lambert’s gang is assigned to impersonate the Aunt and to manipulate the Land Commissioner’s role for Lambert’s benefit.

The impostor, following Big Bill’s orders, begins to resurvey lands for Lambert’s benefit under false pretenses. Meanwhile, the woman impersonating the Aunt is moved by Dickie’s kindness and begins to question her loyalty to Lambert’s corrupt schemes.

Touched by Dickie’s innocence and bravery, the woman impersonating the Aunt refuses to go along with Big Bill’s plans. Her change of heart puts her in danger but also signifies her moral awakening and willingness to stand against Lambert’s corrupt actions.