James Geraldi is one of the most legendary thieves in the West. But he is not an ordinary thief, preying on the unwitting and defenseless. James Geraldi is a very exclusive thief, stealing only from other thieves. From the largest towns to the loneliest outposts of the desert, his name is known, but few could identify him, although many an honest rancher or townsman has become a loyal friend when Geraldi rescued their savings, and many a bandit has been conned or bested by him.

Having squared himself with the law, Geraldi is about to marry and settle down when his old friend Larry Burns rides in with a posse in hot pursuit. Without taking time to explain to his bride-to-be, Mary, Geraldi takes Larry's place and rides off to lead the posse astray. That one rash move has made him a wanted man again and sent his distraught bride into hiding. To settle his debt with the law and plead his case with Mary, Geraldi embarks on a trail that leads him into a trap and up against a notorious gang leader who nurtures a passionate hatred for James Geraldi.

This is Max Brand at his storytelling best, introducing one of his most fabulous characters, whose adventures are only just beginning.