Bad times hit the state of Washington when Klondike fever empties the Seattle stockyards and Dave Watkins has no place to sell his herd. As it is, Dave has lighted out one step ahead of the Conconully bank and the sheriff who are intent on repossessing Dave's cattle. This turns out to be the first trail drive to take place entirely by river and through storm at sea with full-blooded Indian cowboys manning the mast and topsails. An affable ""podner""ship of Indian repartee, escapes by streetcar, and repelling rustlers over the waves.