Citizens of Gunsmoke are being intimidated by Lon Curtis (Harry Woods) and his gang who are preventing an election to vote on a township charter. Town banker Sam Garrett (Herbert Rawlinson)obtains a U. S. Marshal's appointment for Ward Bailey (Tex Ritter). "Glowworm" Johnson (Fuzzy Knight)witnesses the murder of prospector "Nugget" Newcomb (Ernie Adams), by gang-member Pete Larkin (Ethan Laidlaw). Curtis hires Ward's brother, Tom Bailey (Russell Hayden) to defend his henchman.