The Virginian plans to propose to Molly but four men ride into Medicine Bow emptying their pistols into the newspaper office killing her. Although the posse is forced to turn back, The Virginian continues on for revenge but is captured.
The Virginian and Steve ride to Medicine Bow and learn three convicts have broken out of a Montana prison. The Virginian hears that Molly has written an editorial saying she has asked the President to send troops to fight the outlaws hiding in the Badlands. The Virginian leaves town but Steve stays to give Molly a note for The Virginian which is an invitation to the Saturday dance. The Virginian returns to Shiloh where Garth asks him if he should start planning to build a foreman's house for The Virginian and Molly. Steve hears four riders come into Medicine Bow and shoot up the Banner office resulting in Molly's death. A posse with Steve and The Virginian go after the outlaws but everyone but The Virginian is forced to turn back. He finds the outlaws but is captured and pretends to be one of the Montana escapees. The leader returns with a second escapee from Montana further complicating The Virginian's situation.