Johnny Moccasin a white teenage boy is raised by an Indian tribe after his parents are killed in a wagon train massacre.

The period is the 1840s and California is part of Mexico. Many of the citizens wish to become part of the United States. Other countries are also interested and the Russians have established bases in the northern part of the state. To further their hold they have stolen guns and Don Arturo Bordega, a leader of those wanting statehood, is out to recover them.