Impending trouble with the sheep herders, who are encroaching on his range, causes Ace Brent, owner of vast California interests, to warn his daughter Barbara to postpone her visit to the ranch. But Barbara is made of sterner stuff, and, following a heated discussion with her admirer, John Wallace, over woman's equality with man in the business world, she declares she will disregard the warning telegram and be at her father's side should trouble come. Brent, returning from a parley with Bliss, leader of the sheep men, is laid low by a bullet from the gun of Lopez, a Mexican, whom he had discharged. Barbara sets out alone on the Mexican's trail, aided by the fact that his horse was minus a shoe, Terry, the ranch foreman, and Wallace, who had followed Barbara to the ranch because of worry over her safety, thinking that Bliss was responsible for the deed, determined that the moment had arrived to force the sheep from the Brent range. While the rangers and sheep men are engaged in a spirited battle, Barbara has overtaken her father's assailant and a lone duel begins in the hills. Bliss, vanquished, adopts a desperate ruse to cover his retreat and orders his men to set fire to the dry prairie grass. Wallace, searching for Barbara, is thrown from his horse, the animal galloping away, and leaving his rider apparently doomed to a horrible death as the encircling flames of the prairie fire approach nearer and nearer. Meanwhile Barbara, having by a ruse secured a position of advantage, ends her duel with Lopez by a well-aimed bullet. Turning to return home, her startled eyes behold Wallace's plight down in the valley. Daring death, she speeds her horse through the flames, picks Wallace up while at full speed, and in a few seconds, has reached safety.