A former small-town apothecary, an unemployed newsman and a red-haired fishing guide embark upon an illegal quest for money. Filled with dreams of establishing himself in the outfitting business, the druggist-turned-mountain man finds himself in need of capital. He arranges a lucrative, law-dodging caper in the mountains to help a wealthy, spoiled eastern shooter bag a forbidden trophy. The river guide sees in the conspiracy a final chance to save the land and home she loves. She enlists, and never looks back. The newsman's conscience troubles him. The woman intrigues him. He rides with the others. Bad weather, bad luck, a disagreeable client and treacherous terrain plague the trio. The long arm of the law reaches out. A story of adventure and violence, a study of the existential dilemma, plus a rare peek into the dark corners of the criminal mind. An arguably grim and humorless tale that puts bad guys in a new light.