Western settlers are being driven off their homesteads and ranches by a combination of Indian raids and attacks by bands of mysterious outlaws. The government sends out famed Indian scout Kit Carson and army officer David Brent to investigate, and Carson discovers that a villain named Pegleg controls an outlaw gang called the Black Raiders, and is using them and the Indians to drive out the settlers so he can establish his own empire. He determines to set a trap to expose the identity of Pegleg while avoiding traps and ambushes that Pegleg is setting for him.

Dick Tracy battles spies and saboteurs in his efforts to bring to justice the Stark gang, a criminal family led by the vicious Pa Stark.

Ken Williams is determined to discover the identity of the mysterious Rattler, who preys upon railroads and transportation companies like that owned by Jane Corwin. The Rattler is especially difficult to catch because of his skill at disguising himself as other people.