Bruce Larnigan finds himself so bitterly opposed by the administration that he resigns his office as District Attorney. He enters into an agreement with Editor Nash of the Independent, whereby he intends to continue his attacks on the criminal trusts through the press. His first effort is directed against the combine of the grain interests and the subsequent raising of the price of bread. His investigation takes him to Chicago. Stone immediately has a tough character, known as "Red Mike," sent after him with instructions that he must prevent the return of Larnigan if possible, but there will be no reward unless the fatality "looks like an accident."