The herd is close to Abilene but another herd is only 3-4 days behind them and the men want to be first to Abilene as the buyers are almost all gone. The second herd discovers a couple of head with Texas Tick Fever which could prevent them from selling the herd. The trail boss wants to make sure no other cattle are infected but the seller's rep, Holt, wants to use them to salt Favor's herd and slow them down due to being inspected. When the trail boss disagrees, he is killed unknown to his wife Helen who plans to run off with Holt. They ask Favor to handle both herds to which he agrees. However, when the second herd passes his own, his crew revolts and leaves him. After the second herd is sold, Helen learns the truth and kills Holt. She tells Favor the truth but it may be too late for his herd as he has no crew or buyer.
—Anonymous