Parmalee has only 3 rangers, Reese, Chad and Joe to keep order at a land rush. He reminds them that any rangers found showing any favoritism will face prison. While patrolling the area Chad meets lovely widow Alice Coverly and walks her back to her wagon. Reese gets into a discussion with her young brother Robert concerning western Indians versus real Indians that his British grandfather fought against. Reese goes to meet Robert's grandfather, Major Donaldson, and he and Chad have tea with the family. Parmalee breaks up the tea party and expresses his wishes to have an extra hour before the noon starting time to give those trying to file deeds illegally time to come in and be caught, Reese steals Commissioner Smoot's glasses, giving the Captain his extra hour. The rush begins and Major Donaldson is able to stake out the river land he wants but collapses after doing so. Chad puts on the Major's uniform and rides the Major's horse. He then has to pretend to be Major Donaldson to

Jake Murdock wants revenge on Parmalee for sending him to prison. His plot involves Dr. Duvain who has a mind-controlling drug that can make a man kill his best friend. To remove suspicion they plan to have a ranger kill the captain. Reese is picked and undergoes a series of injections to prepare him for the murder. A $5 gold piece is the key to controlling Reese, whenever he sees one he is to obey the next verbal command which results in Reese allowing an outlaw to escape, immersing himself in a horse trough (Go soak your head) and busting up the saloon. Chad investigates the doctor's background and reads books about chemistry and the brain. He figures out what is causing Reese's strange behavior and convinces Parmalee of it who then devises a way for the plan to backfire on Murdock and the doctor.

Reese is caught in a downpour and heads to Small Chance for cover. He finds a nearly deserted town that seems susceptible to earthquakes and murder that the three remaining inhabitants, Kay Comstock, Sgt. Durgom and Old Charlie, say are caused by poltergeists. After another murder and two near fatal accidents Reese finds out there is a gold mine underneath Small Chance. He is held prisoner in the mine with a fourth Small Chance inhabitant Monte, a huge, simple man who works the mine. Erik rides in looking for Reese, which forces Kay and Durgom's hand.