In the Old West, where only a fool stuck his nose in another man's business, only a damned fool stuck his nose in another man's noose. Vance Jardine was no fool, even though he had served a term in jail for another man's crime. He had done so only to protect someone he loved. But no man could be expected to sacrifice himself twice. Besides, Vance had a good idea that the next time he ran afoul of the law he would have to answer not to the warden but to the hangman.