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.

Larry Munro has discovered a vein of platinum on his ranch. A group known as the Secret Seven has learned about it and plan to get the Munro Ranch. Kentucky Wade and his friends arrive to help Larry and are soon fighting off attempts on their lives by the henchman of the Secret Seven and the Indians they enlist by bribing them with rifles.

A scientist invents a poison gas; the villain and his gang will do anything to get the formula; our hero, "Lightning Hutch", is sent to save the scientist, the scientist's beautiful daughter, and the formula.

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.