After the officer leading a mission dies, inexperienced Cpl. Dasovik is forced to assume command of a cavalry patrol escorting Ute Chief Ollocot and his people to a reservation. They are in dangerous territory with Ute renegades around them. The men lead by Pvt. Eccles want to return to the fort for safety rather than continue. The Utes want food and the Chief's buffalo robe returned. The men pretend to go hunting for food finding four prime cows roaming free. Favor tries to stop them but is shot at falling off his horse injuring his leg and knocking him out. The men mutiny against Dasovik when he wants to accept the surrender of 25 renegades. The renegades charge the camp resulting in the soldiers laying down their arms and being taken prisoner along with Favor. The Chief releases the men and the renegades leave. Dasovik is told the renegades will return in the morning to kill Chielf Ollocot who will not resist. Dasovik pleads with the men to help protect the Chief but they refuse leaving Dasovik to do it alone. When the renegades attack, the men join in the fight which lasts until the Chief is dead and Dasovik is mortally wounded. His last words are for his nemesis Eccles to take over.
—frankfob2@yahoo.com