In the introductory story, "Gunstorm Ghost," Dan Barrister is the son of a famous gunfighter known as Fanner Barrister. Fanner was better and more feared than Dan, but he was killed and now Dan is intent on eluding the same fate and wants to hang up his guns. Lon Preebe, the big rancher for whom Fanner had worked, makes Dan an offer: join him or face his gunslingers. Dan dares to refuse Preebe's offer, knowing it will mean at least one more showdown.