Julia Waycross wants famous actress and singer Birdie Ballard to visit Pedregosa for Christmas in the hopes that she can perk up the spirits of those wounded in an attack by outlaw Black Jack Tillman and his vicious gang. But someone's got it in for Birdie, and she's not willing to travel without a bodyguard. When Cody Cavanaugh agrees to fetch Julia's idol, Birdie's entire troupe-unbeknownst to Cody-is also invited. But since they're to put on a performance for the town, and they've already been paid for their efforts, he has little choice in the matter. So, instead of a quick trip by rail with Birdie, Cody must escort the troupe-and their three wagons-overland back to Pedregosa. Along the way, they run into Tillman, who's still wanted for murder. And while a local lawman is willing to hold Tillman overnight, he can't spare anyone to accompany him back to Pedregosa. So, Cody decides to bring Tillman and the troupe back in one trip. But Tillman has offered a reward to anyone who can free him from captivity along the way, and a once-easy journey is made near-impossible. Standing in Cody's way are members of Tillman's gang, men seeking coin, Birdie's would-be assassin, and harsh winter weather...