Andrew Apperley is in the East, visiting his brother, David, whom he has convinced to join him on his Western ranch. Accompanying Andrew is a giant wild wolf dog named Comanche. While the Apperley brothers are sailing on the East River, they see a prisoner escape from Blackwells Island. Comanche breaks loose from his chain and swims to the rescue of the convict. The Apperleys drag both onto their yacht, and hide them below as a guard boat searches for the convict. When the police come aboard, the convict, Single Jack Deems, manages to escape back into the water. Deems tries to get possession of Comanche from the Apperleys on their way West. At Andrews ranch, Andrew explains to David that everything he owns is imperiled by Alex Shodress, a dangerous outlaw and businessman who has learned how to steal with immunity from the law, hiding behind his gang.
