In 1870's Missouri, remnants of the guerrilla war campaigns of the Civil War remain. Isaac and Dalton Tannahill, two brothers continue their campaign against Northern interests after the war, robbing banks and trains owned by Yankee interests. A train robbery at a place known as Cobb's Crossing leads to the demise of the brothers' gang. Isaac and Dalton are forced to flee Missouri for a time. When Isaac is apprehended by Pinkerton agent and long-time nemesis, J.D. Stones, Dalton turns to a secret organization known as the Knights of the Golden Circle for help. Isaac escapes from jail the day before he is to be hanged. He and Dalton flee Missouri for the Sand Hills of Nebraska. Across the Nebraska plains J.D. pursues Isaac and Dalton. The brothers stage their last bank robbery in Grand Island, Nebraska and set out across Kansas toward Indian Territory. The chase comes to an end in Western Kansas. Isaac reveals to Dalton a family secret concerning J.D. Stones and the Tannahill family that Dalton finds difficult to accept. What would be villains to many, and probably heroes to some, the Tannahill brothers fictionally symbolize the bitter divisions and lingering aftereffects of the Civil War that remained long after the conflict concluded.