It's been four months since the men at Fort Lowell have been paid. When the Paymaster finally shows up, the men almost destroy the fort during their celebration.
The main force from Fort Lowell is out trying to recover supplies the Apaches have taken from a supply train. Most of the men left at the fort are new recruits. The Apaches attack the fort and the recruits are forced to retreat to a nearby farm. The farmer, once a Prussian cavalry officer, reorganizes the men and leads a charge against the Apaches.moreless
One Fort Lowell trooper is having a hard time putting the Civil War behind him. His hatred is so great he is starting trouble at the fort which is dividing the men into two camps.
A new directive from Washington makes it possible for men of any rank to apply for admission to West Point. Lt. Hagan, a career officer, doesn't agree with this and makes it very difficult for the men to qualify.
Fort Lowell is visited on an inspection trip threatening the future of both Colonel Hayes and the Gatling Gun. But an over-age enlisted man proves that experience can be more important than regulations when the Indians attack without warning.