In spite of some predictable nervousness com­mon in new bridegrooms, things look pretty good for Milt Kovak as he is joined in matri­mony to his pregnant lover Jean. After four outings as undersheriff, he is running unop­posed for the chief honcho spot—sheriff of Prophesy County, Oklahoma. His house is once more his home since baby sister Jewel departed with her brood to join her new spouse, the election looks like a shoo-in, and although Prophesy County is having its share of crime, Milt isn't really worried. Hah! Back from the honeymoon, Jean and baby sister clash over a question of home decoration. Milt ends up in the middle—and alone on the couch at night. Then he learns that his handsome, smooth old buddy Wade Moon has surfaced from Oklahoma City and is back—and running against him in the election. People like Wade. When news comes that Milt is once more unopposed, it is no help, because someone has removed Wade from contention by bashing him on the head and dropping him in a lake in the next county up. And guess who is the most likely suspect? Can you be under suspicion of murder and win an election for top lawman at the same time? Milt Kovak, in his previous adventures, has gained a growing number of admirers with his down-home humor and appealing humanity. They'll be rooting for him as he pursues his troubled way in this one.