1876. Two paleontologists, desperate to beat each other in their quest to find dinosaur fossils, brave the lawless territories of the Wild West. Facing hostile Indian tribes and towns where pistol fights are a daily occurrence, each excursion puts their lives in danger. William Johnson, a student with more privilege than sense, joins paleontologist Othniel Charles Marsh on his latest expedition, after making a brash wager. But Marsh is convinced William is a spy for his nemesis, Edwin Drinker Co