When local farmer, Stoop Taylor, is found dead, Station Sergeant Barlow has the sinking feeling his comfortable life is about to be turned upside down. While local hoods, the Dunlops, are stealing cattle to order, a traumatised German soldier escapes and roams the countryside. To add to his problems, the new inspector wants him demoted and transferred. The Station Sergeant faces a battle to find a killer, and to save his career.