Unable to pay her notes Ann Bradford owner of the Circle C decides to auction off a halfinterest in her ranch Matt Stark a crooked land dealer holds Anns notes His efforts to buy the ranch have been refused and his instructs his henchman Barlow and his other henchmen to make certain that nobody bids on the ranch Clint Buckley rides into town on the day of the auction overhears Starks instructions to his henchies and decides to attend the sale Barlow attempts to intimidate him they fight Buckley wins and his bid of 25000 wins him a halfinterest in the Circle C But Stark isnt finished yet in his efforts to get the ranch especially since a couple of his hirelings are on the Circle C payroll