A detective from the east is sent west to locate a notorious bandit and train robber. In the costume of a western cowpuncher he reaches a small town. He is injured by falling over a precipice. Broncho Billy finds him, carries him to his cabin and nurses him back to health. It is then that Broncho discovers that the detective is looking for him, and files the hammer of the detective's revolver, so that it will not touch the cap. The detective learns of Broncho's identity and tries to shoot him. The outlaw upbraids the detective for his unappreciative spirit and requests him to leave at the point of a gun.