Hiram Flint is about to foreclose a mortgage on widow Wilson's ranch. Maude, the widow's daughter, pleads with Flint for further time. He says he might consider it and tries to make love to the girl, who spurns him. This enrages the lawyer, who says that if the mortgage is not paid by four o'clock that day, he will take the place. The Sheriff has received word to arrest "Smiling" Tom, who is wanted by the sheriff of another county. "Smiling" Tom and his partner are near the Wilson home and both are hungry. The widow Wilson receives them kindly, and gives them food. She later tells "Smiling" Tom of the lawyer's threat, whereupon Tom gives Mrs. Wilson the money to pay Flint, and then he and his partner depart. When Flint calls, the widow gives him five one hundred dollar bills, and Flint leaves. "Smiling" Tom has decided to waylay Flint, and he and his partner rope the lawyer, drag him off his horse and take his money. A posse is formed, and Tom and his partner are cornered. Maude hears the shooting, and persuades the sheriff to let her speak to Tom. She induces "Smiling" Tom to surrender and promise to be a better man.