Ben Cartwright hired Wilkes to take them to Ash Hollow to rendezvous with the Ryan Company, all the best wagon masters were taken so Ben had no choice but to hire Wilkes since he was the only one available. Wilkes in need of money agrees to take Ben to Ash Hollow. Wilkes likes to drink and on their trip he drinks quite a lot. Ben is angry with his latest binge and his friend Mr Simon's helps to sober him up so they can continue their journey.