The Kansan

John Bonniwell thwarts a Jesse James gang raid on the Broken Lance bank. He shoots three gang members and drives the rest to flight, though he is wounded in the process. He is taken to the town hospital for treatment.

In the hospital, Steve Barat pays John's medical costs, effectively buying his gratitude and influence. Barat uses this debt to get Bonniwell elected sheriff. Eleanor Sager, who cared for him, begins shaping his decisions.

Eleanor persuades John to accept the sheriff role, appealing to his sense of duty and to her own interests. She believes he can restore order and help her hotel business. He agrees, though reluctant at first.

Barat reveals himself as the real power behind the badge. He expects John to follow his instructions and hide Barat's dirty deeds. John realizes he is headed toward a life-or-death conflict with the banker.

Barat imposes an exorbitant fee for cattle crossing his land, pressuring rancher John Wagoner. John refuses to arrest Wagoner at Barat's behest, signaling a break in the banker’s control. The conflict elevates tension between banker and sheriff.

The Hatton gang raids the Golden Prairie saloon, sparking a brawl. John arrests the gang for disturbing the peace, but Barat posts their bail the next morning.

Soon after, Tom Wagoner is found dead under suspicious circumstances. Barat hires the Hatton gang to murder him to smear John.

Barat fabricates a bank robbery and enlists his brother Jeff to back the plan. John's suspicions grow as the scheme to frame him unfolds.

At Eleanor's hotel, John meets Jeff with a suitcase and senses trouble. Eleanor provides Jeff with an alibi, shielding Barat's plot and deepening John's unease.

A telegram arrives informing John Bonniwell that he has been charged with large-scale theft by New York authorities and has fled.

Jeff, learning of Barat's plan, issues a warning to John. John realizes the gang will use a bridge to enter town.

John identifies a bridge used by the gang and has it undermined, blocking their path. The plan works, delaying the raid and enabling his remaining allies to prepare.

During the attempted entry, parts of the bridge collapse and bury a large portion of the gang; Jeff is killed in the action.

With the gang's morale shattered, the remaining attackers are defeated; Barat is extradited and awaits punishment.

Peace returns to Broken Lance as John recovers in hospital and Eleanor celebrates their engagement.