Sharper Wade rides into Virginia City more by chance than intent. He's hear about the Cornstock Lode and the vast wealth in gold and silver that was being mined there, but Sharoer's needs are limited to having enough money to eat, feed his horse and buy ammunition. He is in town no more than an hour when he witnesses a brutal attack on a defenceless girl and her grandfather by three cowboys and steps in to help, landing hinmself in jail accused of murder. But he had a witness who can exonerate him and Sharper needs to find the men repsonsible, or lose his temper.