The town of King's Creek is in uproar. Young Matthew Lydell has been found guilty of murdering Janet Teasdale, daughter of a local banker. Lydell is to be hanged. But the town marshal has been delaying proceedings, and sent for a hangman from the county seat. The hangman arrives quietly, unnoticed. He tours the jail and the town, smiling, always smiling. What secret lies behind that smile, and what intentions does he have for the Colt riding on his hip...?