Charles is surprised by a visit from his ranch’s caretaker’s son, Joe Jennings. Joe has surprising information and a message from President Grant. Charles informs Joe that he will accompany him to Washington after the horse race in Baltimore. The second leg of the Triple Crown is too important to miss. Charles’ favorite horse, Wind Fire, is to race against a heavy favorite. Charles travels to Washington with Joe Jennings and meets an old friend. Charles, Joe, and the old friend, Russ Rivers, are sent to the Badlands of Dakota Territory to find and kill a murderer who is killing both whites and Indians alike to start a war. Charles loses his favorite horse when it is shot out from under him, leaving him stranded in the middle of nowhere. Charles is asked to travel to Nevada to settle an argument between a landowner and the construction company over a breach of contract.