Forty-Niners, The plot
"The Gold Lode Had Its Own Set Of Laws!"
Marshal Sam Nelson is sent to the gold town of Coldwater in California to uncover the identities of three killers. Nelson poses as gunfighter Sam Smith and soon befriends controversial local gambler Alfred "Alf" Billings after saving him from a lynching. Billings has been caught cheating at poker. Billings suggests to Sam that they become partners in poker: him with the knowledge of cards and Sam, who gets along well with his colt. Together they could make a fortune. Sam agrees, hoping Billings will lead him to the three men he must track down. Billings introduces Sam to William Norris, the corrupt sheriff of Coldwater, and his shady comrade Ernie Walker, who runs a gambling palace and seems to be helping him further in his investigation.