Blue, Manolito, and several hands are helped by an Army patrol in breaking up a raid on cattle by the Apaches. The leader of the patrol Lt. Jason Adams is a recent West Point grad and an old friend of the family. The Cannons learn he has been sent to arrest their neighbor Henry Simmons for desertion during the Civil War. Against Big John's wishes Blue warns Henry and his daughter Martha who decide to leave for Mexico. However, Buck and Manolito are able to intercept them and convince Henry he should turn himself in as he believes he is innocent. They return to the ranch ahead of the patrol. When the Lt. and his Sgt. check their weapons Martha believes they intend harm so she shoots at them creating a standoff. Adams sends for a new small cannon he left at the Cannon ranch which he hopes will force the Simmonses to surrender. He walks cannon fire toward the house with his last shot starting a fire that quickly envelopes the whole house. Big John has gone to see the General in charge who upon arriving on the scene decides enough damage has been done and decides to drop the charges but the relationship between Adams and Blue is forever changed.
—Anonymous