After the battle at Manassas, both North and South realize the nation's civil war will not be quickly resolved. Amidst the nation's struggle the Rocklin clan continues its own conflict: Vince Franklin, the renegade stepson of Amy Rocklin Franklin, has returned home. His intentions? To fulfill the requirements of his grandfather's will and claim his family inheritance, with no regard for the lives he may ruin in the process. But before Vince can claim his money, a jealous husband sends him running for his life. Unable to return home, he meets Jake Hardin, a riverboat gambler. Together they devise a daring and dangerous plot.