"In Texas at the close of the Civil War wagon boss Adam Rait inherits a wagon train of rifles and ammunition when the owner is murdered. He must protect the cargo from several parties who would just as soon take it by force as pay for it while dealing with Angela de Acera (the Steel Angel)"--

"In two western stories, two lone travelers have their plans change unexpectedly when they happen upon people in need of help"--

Two of Ray Hogan's western stories are brought together in this collection.

The Cuchillo Plains: "Jim Ryan pays a visit to Tom Strickland, wanting to buy out his S-Bar ranch, but Strickland turns him away. While Ryan's still on S-Bar land, he hears a shot and turns to see Strickland collapse. Though he can't see the murderer, Ryan goes after him, and when he gets to town, he's shocked to learn that he's the one being charged with Strickland's murder."--back cover. The lawless strip: "Sam Kyler and three ranch hands are...