Frontier lawyer Timothy Higgins arrives in Tascosa, Texas just as the circuit court is going into session. He finds that Rita Dillard, his former girl friend in Galveston, is accused of murder, and he agrees to defend her. Cole Marteen, Rita's former business associate, threatens to expose her past exploits in Galveston unless she leaves John, her husband, to go away with him. She ignores his threats, and Cole bribes Taggart to bear false witness against her at the trial. Higgins confuses Taggart on the witness stand, and Higgins' request for an adjournment is granted. Later, Taggart is found murdered, and John confesses to the crime to shield his wife. Rita did shoot at Taggart in self-defense, but Higgins proves that the fatal bullet was fired by Cole Marteen.
