In "Alcatraz" by Max Brand, the story revolves around the wild horse Alcatraz and his journey from being a free and untamed stallion to a trusted mount. The story also involves several other characters, including Marianne Jordan, the daughter of a wealthy rancher, who falls in love with the cowboy Bill Warden, the man who captured Alcatraz. However, their relationship is complicated by the presence of Señor Cordova, a wealthy landowner who also has feelings for Marianne. As Alcatraz continues to resist being tamed, Bill enlists the help of a notorious horse trainer, Arizona Charley. Charley is known for his harsh methods of breaking horses, but he takes a different approach with Alcatraz, recognizing the horse's exceptional intelligence and spirit. Meanwhile, Marianne's father, Oliver Jordan, becomes embroiled in a conflict with a group of rustlers in the nearby Eagle Mountains. The rustlers are led by a dangerous outlaw named Red Reckoner, who also has his sights set on Alcatraz. As the story unfolds, Alcatraz gradually becomes more trusting of Bill and the other humans around him, but his freedom and safety are constantly threatened by the rustlers and Red Reckoner in particular. In the end, Alcatraz proves his loyalty and bravery by helping to rescue Marianne from Red Reckoner and the rustlers, and he becomes a beloved and trusted mount for Bill and Marianne.