A group of very cunning and crafty highwaymen are attacking the coaches carying tax money from the locals of Alta California, as well as gold from the mines. The local tax collector, de Rigos, fresh from Spain, cannot believe this is the case, while all the while being the brains behind the highwaymen. When the highwaymen seize control of all the roads and capture Panchita, Diego vows to rescue her.