Plot Summary

Elias Henders is the prosperous owner of a ranch and a gold mine. Competing for his daughter Diana, ranch hand Colby sabotages recovering alcoholic foreman Bull, and takes his job. The local stage is repeatedly robbed of gold bullion from the owner’s mine, and Bull is suspected. The cowardly sheriff does not take action on the robberies.

Conflict and Characters

Rich Easterner Wainwright tries to buy the mine and ranch for a low price, but Henders refuses the offer and discusses the property’s true value with Diana. She is intrigued by Wainwright’s Eastern-educated son Jefferson, who proposes marriage. However, when they are attacked by Indians during the roundup, he runs rather than defend her.

Climax

Henders is mortally wounded in the battle.