When a traveling peddler arrives at Fort Sabre, he is fully intending to try to sell some of his wares. What he finds is a deserted compound. He notifies the nearby town marshal, who immediately notifies Fort Concho. A detail is sent to Fort Sabre to investigate the disappearance of the men. What they find is nothing. No men, no horses, no supplies. Why was the fort abandoned? That is what Lieutenant Joshua Bates and his men have to find out. What they do find is a shock to all of them.