The first run-in with the Burdett gang started over a puppy that Tom rescued. In an act of revenge the Burdett gang attacked some of the O'Malleys' friends and war was declared between the two rivals.
Burdett begins to gather his ne'er-do-wells as the O'Malleys catch wind of the forthcoming trouble. From all over the Midwest and as far as California and Boston, the O'Malley clan bands together to defend their name and bring justice to the Burdett crew.