Rugged trail boss and reformed criminal Pike (Jim Brown) promises his honest wealthy employer Morgan (Dana Andrews) that he will venture across the desert to deliver $86,000 dollars in payroll money to a ranch in Sonora, Mexico. Pike makes an uneasy alliance with smooth, yet shifty gambler Tyree (Fred Williamson) in order to successfully complete his dangerous mission. During their perilous trek Pike and Tyree encounter desperate prostitute Catherine (Catherine Spaak) and her loyal ace martial artist half-breed companion Kashtok (Jim Kelly). Meanwhile, ruthless bounty hunter Kiefer (Lee Van Cleef) and numerous greedy others give dogged chase. Written by Woodyanders