Ben Rockwell is transporting prisoner named Steve Fontaine by train. Fontaine manacled by an 'Oregon Boot'. Rockwell has the only key. During the trip, Fontain manages to convince Rockwell to let him go, but Rockwell changes his mind. He and Fontaine struggle and Rockwell is shot and killed. When Fontain finds the key to the boot, he sees that it has been destroyed by the bullet and cannot free him.