Shadows of Death

After he sees Billy Carson enter the room of railroad agent Dave Hanley, crooked hotel owner Steve Landreau eavesdrops on their conversation. Steve overhears Dave and Billy discussing the railroad's plans to build a line through the area, but is unable to ascertain the exact route of the proposed line. Billy reluctantly accepts Dave's assignment to go to Red Rock, the town through which the line is scheduled to run, and while posing as a cattle buyer, feel matters out. Before Billy leaves for Red Rock, Steve and his henchmen, Frisco and Butch, murder Dave and steal his railroad map. Billy soon discovers Dave's body and deduces he was killed for the map. In Red Rock, meanwhile, Fuzzy Q. Jones, the sleepy town's justice of the peace, marshal and dentist, learns from rancher Clay Kincaid that the local saloon is being turned into a gambling house. Acting in his capacity as marshal, Fuzzy angrily confronts the saloon's new owner, Steve, but Steve merely tosses the diminutive lawman into the street. Just then, Billy rides into Red Rock and, witnessing his old friend Fuzzy's humiliation, brawls with Frisco and Butch. Steve breaks up the fight, however, and coolly informs Billy that he is staying in Red Rock. Later, Fuzzy introduces the manly Billy to rancher Babs Darcy, much to admirer Clay's annoyance. When a jealous Clay picks a fight with Billy, Babs becomes infuriated and snubs Clay. A week later, Billy confesses to Fuzzy that he is in Red Rock searching for a killer and hints that the town will soon be undergoing changes. Billy then questions Steve about why he has set up business in Red Rock, but Steve refuses to answer. Steve's belligerence arouses Billy's suspicion, and he declares to Fuzzy that he is going to search Steve's office for the map. In his jealous anger, Clay, meanwhile, starts to gamble and quickly falls into debt to Steve. Unaware that the railroad line is to be built through his land, Clay agrees to put part of his ranch up as security for Steve's loan. When Steve and Clay show up at Fuzzy's justice of the peace office to make the land deal legal, however, Billy protests Clay's actions. In response, Clay threatens to kill Billy unless he leaves town. That night, Billy and Fuzzy break into Steve's office but are chased off by Frisco and Butch before they can find the map. Later, Steve, wanting to dispose of both Billy and Clay, goads Clay into challenging Billy at his saloon. Unaware that an armed Frisco and Butch have positioned themselves in the saloon, Clay threatens Billy at gunpoint. During the ensuing fight, Billy outdraws Butch, who is inside the saloon, while Fuzzy shoots Frisco as he is about fire his gun through the saloon window. Billy then captures the fleeing Steve and grabs the incriminating map from him. Later, Billy acts as a witness at Clay and Babs's wedding, which is performed by Fuzzy.