Texas Ranger William Sykes, nicknamed "Captain Bonfire," leads a posse in pursuit of Mexican bandits who have hijacked a gold shipment. The lawmen arrive at the Moreno ranch, where the gang leader, known as "the Vulture," has taken refuge with his gang. After convincing the rancher and his pretty daughter Guadalupe, that the Americans are anti-Mexican marauders, the outlaws make their escape. Guadalupe intends to kill William, but she soon realizes her mistake and falls in love with him. She assists William in faking his own death and stages a mock burial, after which the ranger ambushes the Vulture and his men. As William leaves to join the Allied troops in France, he promises to return for Guadalupe.
—AFI