A historical expedition to discover a route for the Panama Canal goes drastically wrong and becomes a struggle to survive a megalomaniacal leader and one of the most dangerous environments on earth.

Fleeing a secret past, young reporter Axel Krogen takes an assignment to track down famous filibuster William Walker and reaches Honduras in time to witness his execution. He then travels to the American Southwest to report on the progress of the Civil War, witnessing the decisive, bloody Battle of Glorieta Pass. Visiting Canyon de Chelly, Axel becomes romantically involved with a beautiful Navajo girl. As ordered by his editor, he leaves to report on the fabulous riches of the Comstock Lode, but promises to return. He strikes up a friendship with Samuel Clemens in booming Virginia City, as...