Dusty Rivers ("Isn't that a contradiction in terms?" inquires another character) travels to Canada in the 1880s in quest of Jacques Corbeau, a man wanted for murder. He becomes embroiled in the Riel Rebellion, during which Métis (people of French and Native ancestry) and Natives demand their own nation. Dusty develops feelings for nurse April Logan, whom Mountie Jim Brett adores as well. April's brother is romantically linked with Courbeau's daughter Louvette, which causes friction throughout the rebel-Mountie skirmishes. Dusty is adamant on relocating Corbeau to Texas during this ordeal (and April, too, if he can manage it.)