The High Chaparral hands are being attacked by a large, well armed and trained force. However, the cattle are not being stolen. Don Sebastian Montoya arrives at the High Chaparral asking Big John to honor their agreement to help protect each other as he is being attacked as well. In addition he is able to tell Big John who is behind the attacks. It is Diego de la Paula who sided with Maximilian. The government took his hacienda which Montoya bought and Diego wants it back plus part of Montoya's hacienda. Although Montoya doesn't tell Big John, Victoria and Diego were very close which is why Diego is also attacking the High Chaparral. The attacks are causing both ranches to lose men to death and quitting in fear. Neither man will go to the other's aid for fear of losing their own ranch. Big John has an idea to use smoke signals and a Pony Express system to reduce the time to communicate between the ranches. Even though Joe is wounded during his ride the system works. Montoya decides to confront Diego personally in front of everyone resulting in a fight which Montoya wins. Seeing their leader lose and being surrounded the Diego gang quits their leader.
—Anonymous