Taggart 1964

Stampede and massacre of Taggart's family

Kent Taggart and his family arrive at their newly purchased land. The cattle stampede erupts, and Blazer and his son murder the family. Blazer is seriously wounded in the confrontation. The violent attack sets off a relentless pursuit that drives the rest of the story.

Kent's showdown with Blazer's son

In a later fair gunfight, Kent Taggart kills Blazer's son. The killing marks a continuation of the feud sparked by the initial ambush. The act invites Blazer's other enemies to seek retaliation.

Blazer dispatches gunfighters to hunt Kent

With his last breath, Blazer sends three gunfighters to find and kill Kent: Vince August, Cal Dodge, and Jay Jason. The trio immediately sets out to track him down. Their pursuit follows Kent as he flees toward safety.

Kent flees toward Apache territory

Kent Taggart heads toward territory that has fallen into Apache hands, with the gunfighters close behind. He must rely on his wits and quick feet to outrun them. The chase pushes him into increasingly dangerous and unsettled lands.

Respite in a semi-abandoned town and aid at the saloon

In a semi-abandoned town, Kent helps a woman in trouble at a saloon. The woman and the bartender offer him shelter and limited aid in return. This encounter gives him a momentary ally as he tries to stay ahead of his pursuers.

Cal Dodge killed; Kent escapes the gunfighters

Caught by the gunfighters, Kent fights his way free and kills Cal Dodge before escaping again. The escape heightens the danger and reaffirms the threat from Vince and Jay. The pursuit resumes with renewed intensity.

Taggart joins a couple under Apache pressure; Vince wounded; Jay disarms Taggart

Taggart encounters a couple fighting with Apaches and joins them for protection. The gunfighters also press the group. Vince is wounded during the clash, and Jay disarms Taggart; the couple helps him escape.

Captured by Adam Stark and Miriam; Consuela's advances

Taggart is captured by Adam Stark and his daughter Miriam and taken to their dwelling, where Consuela resides. Consuela visits at night and makes unequivocal advances, promising Taggart riches if he takes her away. Miriam interrupts the moment, but she does not tell her father about what is happening.

The next day: Stark's plan changes; gold mine revealed

The next day, Taggart escapes and saves Stark's life from an Apache attack. Stark changes his mind about Taggart and reveals that a gold mine lies on their property. He begins loading gold rocks into bags, preparing to leave before the next attack.

Vince is killed; Jay introduces himself and motive; Stark favors Taggart

Meanwhile, Jay has killed Vince, who had become a hindrance. He arrives alone at the Stark place, where Taggart explains that he is a hired killer. Jay explains that he is pursuing a murderer, and the Starks begin to favor Taggart.

Consuela's second approach to Jay

Consuela visits Jay again and promises riches and happiness if he takes her away from the place. Jay says he is happy to oblige. The exchange sets the stage for further tension as loyalties shift.

Apache attack; Stark wounded; Jay and Consuela escape with gold

Another Apache attack hits the Stark property, and Stark is wounded. Jay and Consuela escape with the gold, while the Starks head to a fort, with Taggart ahead as scout.

Convoy encounter and Consuela's betrayal attempt

Jay and Consuela encounter a cavalry supply convoy and join them for protection. Consuela tells Jay she wants to leave him; he attacks her, leaves her for dead, and seizes the gold and horses. Moments later, the Apache threaten the convoy and destroy it.

Jay reaches the fort and defies orders

Jay arrives at the fort to seek safety and new horses. The fort's officer asks for news of reinforcements, and Jay admits he hasn't seen them. The officer orders Jay to stay and fight.