Crusading newspaper reported Jack Graham is wrongly convinced that the Apache Kid is being unjustly persecuted by the U.S. Army. When they capture him he writes a story claiming Hondo is a Judas and promises the Kid that his newspaper will hire the best lawyers possible to get him off. The Apache Kid escapes, killing a guard, and kidnaps Star Bird from Vittoro's camp after killing her father. Hondo is sent to track him down. He comes across young Emmy Jo, whose father was murdered by the Kid, and takes her back to the fort. He finds out that Graham has gone out after the Kid to show him the telegram from his newspaper guaranteeing their help. Graham finds Star Bird, who has been physically abused by the Kid, bound against some rocks. Just then Hondo arrives and the Kid grabs Graham and threatens to kill him. Hondo fights with and captures the Kid. Back at the fort Graham tells Hondo he's written a story praising him for his actions, repayment for saving his life. Hondo decks h