The Phantom Stagecoach

A stagecoach with passenger Glen Hayden is stopped at high speed by three masked bandits who try to steal the freight. The driver Sam refuses to surrender the cargo and is shot, dying from his wounds. Hayden secretly jumps out just before the holdup, and when the bandits start to open the stage, he begins shooting to protect the freight.

After the shootout, Hayden loads the injured driver into the stagecoach and drives it to the town. The local stage line owner Joe Patterson learns it is the third holdup in two months. The townspeople do not recognize the dead bandit, raising suspicion about the ongoing stagecoach robberies.

Hayden suggests that the dead band's horse might lead them to the gang’s hideout. Sheriff Riordan promises to investigate later that afternoon, while Patterson offers Hayden a job as a stagecoach driver. The gang’s plan to build a reinforced stagecoach is revealed at their hideout.

Bradley, one of Patterson’s drivers, dislikes Hayden and has a secret understanding with Maroon, the freight office owner. Bradley plans to betray Patterson from within and hopes to marry Fran, Maroon’s niece. Meanwhile, Farrow kills the bandit's horse to prevent Hayden from following the gang.

The gang builds a metal-reinforced stagecoach and plans to control Patterson’s freight and passenger business by running him out of town. Bradley is the inside man, he provides intelligence and prepares to put some of his own freight on the next stage, signaling the impending robbery.

During a stagecoach journey, Bradley distracts Hayden and throws his shotgun off the stage. The gang, using a phantom coach, ambushes, and holds up the stage, stealing the freight and wounding Mrs. Wiggins. Hayden manages to escape with the remaining passengers and mounts a recovery plan.

Hayden, suspicious of Maroon, takes a fast horse to investigate the gang’s hideout alone. Sheriff Riordan chases after him, and Hayden reveals he is an agent for Wells Fargo. Riordan and Hayden are ambushed; Riordan is wounded and captured by the gang.

The gang, led by Maroon, moves the evidence, including the phantom coach, to Maroon’s farm for transfer across state lines. Bradley intervenes, disarming Farrow during a fight, but Riordan is shot dead in the chaos. Maroon pushes to escape with the evidence and evade law enforcement.

Bradley, fleeing, confronts Maroon and Farrow. After a series of shootouts, Bradley invades the wagon and captures Maroon. The posse arrives in time to arrest the gang members. Hayden confirms the gang’s involvement, and most are taken to jail.

Patterson offers to sell his stage line to Wells Fargo under the condition that Hayden becomes the office manager. Hayden plans to stay in town, and while he asks Fran to stay, she chooses to return east, signaling an uncertain but hopeful future.