In 1868, within the Ruby Mountains, Gideon (Pierce Brosnan) roasts hare over an open fire. Suddenly, gunshots ring out with one striking his left arm. He grabs what he can and races down the mountain. His attackers emerge from their cover to inspect his campsite. Colonel Morsman Carver (Liam Neeson), a former Confederate States of America officer, is accompanied by Pope (Robert Baker (actor)), Hayes (Michael Wincott), Parsons (Ed Lauter) and the Kid (John Robinson (American actor)); who are all engaged in a bounty operation to apprehend him.<ref name=film />