The story opens with the betrothal of Charles Garvin and Clarice Winslow. They are extremely happy, and Ed Gardner, a wandering artist, in search of lodging, is afforded a pleasant welcome to the girl's home, and greeted by the young cowboy. Charley leaves for the round-up and his sweetheart is amused by the artist. He amuses himself by playing with the heart of the simple Western girl, and when her cowboy lover returns he finds her in the arms of the artist. Leaving the faithless girl, he enters into dissipation and becomes intoxicated. While in this condition he picks a quarrel with the artist, but is interrupted by Clarice, who leads the artist away. Ed Gardner plans a trip to the mountains. He starts on his journey alone. Arriving in the mountains, he beholds a scene of natural, rugged grandeur that would make a beautiful picture. Satisfied, he proceeds to rapidly sketch the scene before him, until the falling dusk warns him it is time to return to the ranch. Gathering up his materials, he seeks the passage by which he entered, but is unable to find it. Meanwhile as the evening approaches, Clarice, at the ranch, awaits for him to appear. As time goes on she seeks the boys and asks them to make a search for her lover. One by one they refuse, knowing the dangers of the canyon. Charley Garvin is the only man who knows the dangerous country, and at last Clarice asks him. He takes his canteen and starts upon his dangerous search. Ed. Gardner is about to give up the struggle. Tearing a leaf from his notebook, he writes a few lines and places the note in his breast pocket and makes one final effort, only to fall back exhausted and unconscious. Charley Garvin comes upon him. He sees the note and reads it. Blind fury seizes him and he is about to go away and leave the helpless man to his fate. His honorable nature prevails, and, returning to Gardner, he picks him up and starts on his return. He conducts Gardner to the ranch, where Clarice and her mother arc awaiting him. Gardner starts forward to clasp the girl in his arms. But Charley interferes. Gripping him by the arm, he calls his attention to the note. The artist attempts to wrest it from his grasp. Still holding him firmly, Charley silently extends the note to Clarice, who opens and reads: "If my body is found, notify my wife. Mrs. Ed Gardner, Bronx Apartments, New York City." Mortified at the duplicity of her erstwhile lover, the grief-stricken girl is sheltered in her mother's arms, and Garvin orders the artist to be gone.