When his tailor is killed in an accident at a supposedly worthless gold mine, Paladin discovers that the man was murdered and his heirs are being swindled.

Paladin is hired to find a U.S. Army corporal, who is a deserter and the son of a general. Paladin must travel into Indian territory as he seeks the corporal. Along the way, Paladin encounters a soldier he knew from his own time in the Army. It turns out the corporal is part of the 7th Calvary, and is part of the command of George Custer.