Kitty Hawkins, who teaches school in the west, returns to her father’s ranch to discover that be is implicated with cattle thieves. Fearing that Kitty will thwart his operations Hawkins makes her accompany him on the expeditions. Mason, one of the rustlers, forces his attentions upon the girl and declares that a horse thief’s daughter is none too good for him. Kitty quietly leaves home and joins a party of settlers. Indians attack the party and after a desperate battle Kitty is the sole survivor. She is found by Dan, the deputy sheriff, who carries her to the humble home where he and his superior have bachelor quarters. When Kitty regains her strength she is induced to stay and keep house. Both men love the girl, but she finally gives her hand to the sheriff. Dan, brokenhearted, finds another home. Mason, the trouble-maker, arrives in the little village. By threatening to inform the sheriff of his wife’s antecedents, he extorts money from Kitty. The girl confides in Dan and the sheriff misconstrues their quiet conference. Dan gives Mason one hour to get out of town. The sheriff is paid a large sum for protecting a shipment of bullion. When Mason, who sees the transaction, follows the sheriff, and attempts to rob Kitty when she is entrusted with the money. Dan passes by and hears her scream. He shoots through the window and the blackguard pays the penalty. The sheriff arrives home and finds a note on the window sill. The message, which is from Dan, informs the sheriff how the tragedy occurred and concludes with the statement: “If you want to arrest me, follow the Elkhorn Trail.” The sheriff debates a moment and finally concludes that justice has been done.