Old Ben Martin, a prospector, and his partner live in a small shack in the hills. Lois, Martin's pretty daughter, keeps house for them. Baxter, the partner, loves Lois, and hopes to make her his wife. One evening Broncho Billy applies for work and Martin takes him on. Lois makes a place for him at the supper table and it is a case of love at first sight between her and Broncho. During the long evenings that follow Baxter finds himself eliminated from Lois' company, for she and Broncho sit outside the shack playing the guitar and banjo, until old Martin orders them to stop and go to bed. One morning Martin strikes a rich ore-vein, collects some samples, hurries back to the shack and announces his discovery. Knowing the claim must be filed at once, Martin gives Broncho his white horse and tells him to ride to town and file the claim. Baxter sees Broncho depart, and, burning for revenge at the loss of Lois' affections, rides down the trail and spreads the news that Broncho has stolen Martin's white horse. A band of the angry punchers pursue Broncho, capture him, take him to a deserted shanty and prepare to lynch him. Back at the shack Baxter tries to win Lois' love, and, when she orders him from the room, tells her what he has done. With but the one thought of saving Broncho, Lois evades Baxter, mounts her pony and starts on a mad ride. She arrives just as Broncho is about to hang, tells the boys the truth. Broncho is released, takes Lois in his arms, and they watch the infuriated punchers dash off down the trail on the hunt for Baxter.