After Fred Vance's father died, his mother married an alcoholic named Milt Hurd. When his mother died, she left the Stirrup Ranch to Vance with the provision that Hurd be supported. Rather than stay on the Stirrup with Hurd, Vance left to seek his fortune in the New Mexico Territory. When Vance returned, summoned by Hurd, he learned the Stirrup has nearly gone to ruin under Hurd's stewardship.