Jack Weston left home and went west where he descended from bad to worse. His mother worried over him so much that it broke her health and her other son, Tom, decided to bring his brother back if possible. When he found his brother in the west, the sheriff was looking for him. Tom took on his own shoulders the responsibility for Jack's crime and gave himself up to the sheriff. That night the sheriff and his prisoner stopped in a cowboy camp where Jack happened to be. He selected Jack to guard his prisoner. During the night Jack contrived to allow his brother to escape; then after Tom has been on the way several hours, he gave the alarm. The sheriff set off across the desert in pursuit. Losing his horse, he was in danger of being overcome by the burning sun, when Tom, who had also lost his way, galloped past on his horse. Then it was a question whether Tom should rescue the sheriff or leave his enemy to perish. He determined to save him. He dismounted and put his canteen of water to the sheriff's lips. When the sheriff was revived he was amazed to see his former prisoner before him. He held out his hand and said, "I came into the desert to find a horse thief and I have found a man." They both mounted the horse and when they arrived at the railroad, they parted in friendship, Tom taking the train for the east. The closing scene shows the two boys and their mother, reunited.