 "Boss" Tom Slayden has monopolized the freight business and has been intimidating anyone who opposes him. One of Slayden s men shoots Little Joe in the shoulder when he finds Joe hauling a wagon-load of supplies. Ben signs a warrant for Slayden s arrest. When Slayden is arrested, and he shuts down the freight business. Viriginia City s businesses quickly close, and a jury acquits Slayden to save the town s businesses. The Cartwrights, some of the townsfolk, and even Slayden s daughter, Karen, oppose the "Boss."