Ned Reade has been the Sheriff of Broadacres for as long as anyone can remember. His cold eyes, black hat, and long black coat are well-known to anyone who has stepped outside the law in his jurisdiction. While on patrol in the hills, he is alerted that the wanted fugitive, Donald Cyrus, has been sighted in a nearby town. Reade jumps into action and will use any means necessary to bring Cyrus in. Even if he has to break the laws of nature to do it.