Trail of the Rustlers

After he is captured by The Durango Kid, bandit Big Slim Mahoney is killed during a jailbreak, and his family vows to avenge his death. The Mahoneys, posing as respectable citizens, are secretly trying to obtain all the land near the town of Rio Perdito. Hoping to simultaneously drive off the ranchers and lure The Durango Kid to town, Chick, Slim's brother, dresses as The Durango Kid and raids the nearby ranches. On his arrival in town from Texas, Steve Armitage meets young Tod Hyland, who is now disillusioned with his hero, The Durango Kid. While they are talking, Chick, disguised as The Durango Kid, kills Tod's father. Later, Steve rides into town, where he meets his old friend, Smiley Burnette. Steve informs the Mahoneys of Hyland's death, and Mrs. Mahoney hurries to comfort Tod's sister Mary Ellen. Later, Smiley reads Steve a mysterious letter authorizing him to buy all available ranch land in Rio Perdito. Although Steve and Smiley are surprised by the letter because a drought has destroyed the value of the land, Steve advises Smiley to hold on to the letter and, later, announces that he will buy any land for sale. Unknown to Smiley, the letter was sent to him by the Mahoneys, and now that Steve has interfered with their plans, they decide to kill him. When Steve suddenly appears, disguised as The Durango Kid, however, their efforts are thwarted. Still disguised as The Durango Kid, Steve evades the Mahoneys, but is spotted in his hideout by Tod. Steve persuades Tod that he is not a killer and asks for his help in finding the lost river that the town's name seems to indicate exists. Then, still dressed as The Durango Kid, Steve stops the stagecoach and steals the money being forwarded to Smiley to buy land. Meanwhile, Mrs. Mahoney discovers Steve's money hidden in his room, and, while wearing disguises, her sons give that money to Smiley. Smiley then secretly tells Steve that someone wants the Hyland ranch. In the meantime, Tod has discovered the hidden water supply and tells the Mahoneys. Mrs. Mahoney orders Mahoney henchmen Bob and Jake to take Tod prisoner until the ranches are all sold. When Tod does not return, Steve goes in search of him and then, dressed as The Durango Kid, finds the youth and the lost river. Before the sales can take place, Smiley receives a note warning him not to sell any of the land. When Smiley tries to postpone the sale, however, Chick dresses as The Durango Kid and insists that it proceed. Finally the real Durango Kid arrives and reveals Chick's subterfuge. Now that the ranchers' problems have been solved, Steve leaves town, and Tod resolves to emulate the real Durango Kid.