Max Denken, the Dry Gables newspaperman, has a mission: to uncover the truth around the gold tycoon, George Hearst's influence on local, state and federal politics. He is meticulous with his research, thorough with checking facts, and relentless with finding out what is really happening. What he isn't prepared for is a visit from the Pinkertons — the national detectives that were clearly hired by George Hearst to intimidate him. What should he do? Then, Johann Bauer, the town blacksmith arrives in the nick of time to give Max some helpful advice.