Chester Wooley and Duke Egan are traveling salesmen who find themselves stranded in the small town of Wagon Gap, Montana, during their journey to California. Their visit takes a drastic turn when a notorious criminal, Fred Hawkins, is tragically murdered, and the two men are immediately accused of the crime. Despite the lack of concrete evidence, they are swiftly tried, convicted, and sentenced to hang. However, Jim Simpson, the head of the local citizens' committee, recalls an obscure law stating that the survivor of a gun duel must assume responsibility for the debts and family of the deceased. This law unexpectedly spares Chester and Duke from execution, but it places Chester in a difficult position where he becomes responsible for the widow Hawkins, [Audrey Young], and her seven children.
Chester's new responsibility leads him to Mrs. Hawkins' farm, where he faces relentless work from dawn until dusk, often helping with various chores to support her family. To add to his burdens, Mrs. Hawkins manipulates Chester into working at the local saloon each night to help settle Hawkins’ debts to the saloon's owner, Jake Frame. Her ultimate plan appears to be wearing Chester down physically and emotionally, hoping he will eventually agree to marry her.
As Chester becomes more involved with the Hawkins family, he learns that the townspeople are hesitant to cause him harm because they fear they might be required to support Mrs. Hawkins' family if harm comes to him. Recognizing this, Simpson makes Chester the town’s sheriff in hopes that his authority will help restore order and safety. To keep himself protected, Chester carries a photograph of Mrs. Hawkins and her children, which serves as a reminder of his obligations and reasons for his efforts.
Meanwhile, Duke [Lou Costello] is determined to leave for California and devises a plan to free himself from his commitments. He approaches Judge Benbow [George Cleveland] in hopes of marrying Mrs. Hawkins, aiming to both escape his own obligations and improve his chances of settling down. Duke begins spreading a rumor that Mrs. Hawkins is about to become wealthy after the railroad purchases her land for its tracks. As the rumor spreads, it sparks chaos in the town, with many residents hoping to harm Chester in the misguided belief that doing so will position them to marry Mrs. Hawkins and gain her newfound wealth.
Eventually, Frame [Gordon Jones], the owner of the saloon, confesses to Hawkins' murder, clearing both Chester and Duke of the charges. They are allowed to leave town, but not before they confess that their railroad land rumor was fabricated to boost the town's economy and to manipulate the townsfolk. Despite this, Mrs. Hawkins agrees to marry Judge Benbow, solidifying her future. She then reveals surprising news: the railroad indeed offered her a substantial sum to buy her land, which means she has now become quite wealthy, securing her and her children’s future.
Throughout her story, Mrs. Hawkins shows resilience and strength amid the chaos, and Chester’s efforts to protect her display his growing sense of duty and compassion. The film captures themes of justice, responsibility, and the complexities of small-town life, all woven together with humor and heart. It portrays how rumors and misunderstandings can escalate, how honesty can ultimately prevail, and how unexpected kindness can lead to new beginnings for those caught in difficult circumstances.
