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 of 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. Because now he has something to live for: revenge...