Haunted by visions from his abusive childhood, Montana deputy sheriff Lou Ford gradually exhibits the signs of a homicidal schizophrenic.

Forced to kill a young Abilene gunman in the line of duty, Sheriff Matthew Roberts, torn by anguish takes off his badge and leaves Kansas. Roberts becomes known as 'The Drifter', wandering restlessly through the west. In Arizona, he aids elderly rancher, Tom Duncan, Tom's granddaughter, Virginia and kid-brother Danny in their fight to save their small ranch from a crooked banker and his gang of outlaws.