In 1876 all the Indians are at peace except the Comanches led by Black Cloud. When he wipes out a complete town, leaving only burnt-out ruins, just six soldiers are left and they retreat into the desert, hoping to reach the safety of Fort Macklin. But, it is, at least, 100 miles (160.9 km) away and they are short of water. They are reinforced by members of a stagecoach and find limited water at a deserted mission. Pinned down by Black Cloud they send an Indian boy who was a prisoner on to the fort for reinforcements, while they fight off Black Cloud. He is also suffering from lack of water and they try to delay him with (bogus) offers of water until the cavalry can arrive to rescue them. The stagecoach is carrying a consignment of dynamite and this is used to lay a trap for the marauding Indians – a truly spectacular explosion ensues...