Ever since he was fourteen, Cade Hunter has made his way through his own sweat and blood, with no place to call home. Most think he's not much more than a drifter. But veteran ranch hand Luke Tucker sees a resourceful youngster who's as honest as he is tough, which is why Luke shares a secret with Cade--a secret worth its weight in Union gold.

When Luke and Cade make a move to find the lost fortune, Luke's past returns in the form of Lem Snider--a vile, thieving cur who murders Luke and leaves Cade for dead. But Cade isn't dead. And he's not planning on dying. Because now he has something to live for: revenge....