Jim Morris, a young prospector, plans a trip into the great desert to search for gold. Before he leaves, Morris places an engagement ring on the finger of Mary, his sweetheart, and she promises to await his return. Two months later Jim befriends another young prospector, whose water supply has given out, and learns he is returning after a fruitless search for gold ore. Jim now shows him Mary's picture, writes her a letter and Wells promises to deliver it for him. However, Wells falls in love with Mary and, as the weeks go by, they become good friends. At length Wells wins her consent to give up Jim and go with him. Leaving a note for Jim when he returns, Mary goes with Wells back into the desert. Later, Jim returns and discovers the situation. Heart-broken, he returns into the "land of dead things" to fight it out alone. Meanwhile, Wells loses his way in the trackless sands and he and Mary have but one canteen of water left. A few hours later the last drop only remains and Wells, crazed with the heat and terror, drinks the precious fluid, deserts Mary and staggers on. Brooding in his camp, Jim suddenly hears faint cries out on the desert, investigates and finds Mary lying half-dead in the sands. He revives her and she tells her story. With half-drawn gun Jim starts to lead her to his camp, when suddenly they stumble over the dead body of Wells. Providence has stayed his vengeance, and Jim kneels with Mary and gives thanks for the opportunity of starting life anew once more with her by his side.