It is learned that a recent hire at the X Bar X ranch named Joe Marino, a.k.a. the "Pup," has a predilection for liquor. He's had a bad influence on loyal ranch hand Gus Trippe, whose failure to mend breaks in the fence and watch the grazing cattle has allowed them to stray onto prime grazing land owned by neighbor Jake Trummer, thereby igniting sparks between Trummer and Bardwell Manley. In a subplot, Gus is disconsolate since he's been waiting fruitlessly for an important letter. Gus and the Pup are fired, but in another subplot it becomes evident that one of them has left with $600 from Bardwell Manley's desk. The X Bar X crew must go find and round up their straying cattle alongside the beautiful but aptly-named Whirlpool River.

Writing: 9
Characterization: 7
Plot: 7
Overall score: 7.66