When a rancher is deserted by his regular cattle drivers for the gold mines, Wil Andersen is forced to take on a collection of young boys as his drivers in order to cross the 400 treacherous miles to get his herd to market in time to avoid financial disaster. The boys learn to do a man's job under Andersen's tutelage, however, neither Andersen nor the boys are aware that a gang of cattle thieves is stalking them.

On one side is an army of gunmen dead-set on springing a murderous cohort from jail. On the other is Sheriff John T. Chance and his two deputies: one a recovering drunkard, the other a crippled codger. Also in their ragtag ranks are an unseasoned, trigger-happy youth and a woman with a past-- and her eye on Chance.

Everyone in 1880s America knows Jesse James. He's the nation's most notorious criminal and is being hunted by the law in 10 states. He's also the land's greatest hero, lauded as a Robin Hood by the public. No one knows of Robert Ford, at least not yet. But the ambitious 19-year-old aims to change that. He befriends Jesse and rides with his gang. And if that doesn't bring Ford fame, he will have to find a deadlier way. Friendship becomes rivalry and...