When the Coltonville express office is robbed and the clerk is murdered, Will Grant is arrested for the crime. Found at the scene--wounded and holding the smoking gun that was used in the shooting of the clerk--Grant stands trial, is found guilty, and is sentenced to prison.

A year into his sentence, Grant is released when the dying confession of one of the thieves exonerates him. He returns to Coltonville, where he is given a hostile reception by most of the locals, who remain skeptical about his innocence. Supporting Grant's efforts to clear his name are his friend Steve Collins and his sister Mary. Also playing a role in the robbery investigation is the beautiful Nora Masters, a new reporter who has more than just a passing interest in Grant's case. However, Grant's status is further complicated when money from the express office robbery begins to surface for the first time--within days of his return.