There is a ghostly horse and rider that has been seen racing along the plains. seemingly acting as a forewarning to the attack of bandit robbers under the leadership of the Hermit Chief. While trying to determine if she is a spy for the group, Prairie Pilot is captured and discovers that she is Ione, daughter of the leader. Upon escaping and returning to Blue Water Settlement, he joins the scouts group there and prepares them to raid the hideout. But his attentions to the daugher of the commanding Colonel forces him to flee, and instead press head with just a few loyal friends.