By some chance of fortune, or misfortune, Jack Manton, the young sheriff, finds upon the plains a young fellow suffering from a serious wound. He brings him into the home of Nell Bannister, Jack's sweetheart, and she cares for the stranger until he recovers. The sufferer is won by Nell's kindness and before he leaves her home, is unable to hide his love for her, which is unexpectedly displayed in Jack's presence. This arouses the sheriff's jealousy and he cannot resist snatching a flower from his supposed rival, given him by Nell in a moment of unrestrained kindness and a spirit of pleasantry. Determined to settle the question of Nell's choice, Jack bids her choose between him and the man whom he has befriended. Nell, while not inclined to encourage Jack's jealousy, does not hesitate to convince him of her love for him. The stranger goes into the parlor and writes a note, telling Jack that he is the "Kansas Kid," on whose head there is a reward, and twits him for losing a chance to capture his man. Then he rides away. When the note is found, Jack starts in pursuit. Before going, Nell gives him a photograph of herself, which he places in his pocket. "The Kid" leads his men a lively chase and on his way posts a warning to the sheriff that it means sure death to follow him. This does not alarm Jack, but, nevertheless, he is reminded of the truth of it when he is shot by the desperado and unhorsed. "The Kid" searches Jack's clothes and takes the photograph of Nell. Before he has proceeded very far, he repents of his deed and returns to the sheriff. Placing him upon his horse, he takes Jack back to Nell's hones, where he is surrounded by a posse of vigilantes and captured. Before being taken to jail, he receives an acknowledgment from the sheriff for the mercy which he showed him when he had had him at a disadvantage.