Manuel, the sly miner, has seven bars of gold tied to the backs of his donkeys for delivery to the railroad agent. The problem in his mind is how to steal a part of the gold without any likelihood of arrest. At the town drinking place be meets Nell and her mother and confides to the latter his scheme, which is to use Nell. Nell, much against her will, is forced by her mother to become a party to the infamous plot against Joe, the station agent, whom she really loves. Manuel delivers the gold to Joe, carefully counts seven bars and gets Joe’s receipt for that number. A scream is heard, Nell’s, planned to come at that time to divert Joe’s attention. Joe recognizes her voice and rushes out to save her from the faked-up attack. Manuel hastily seizes a bar of gold and shoves it through a little hole in the roof where he can get it later. Joe returns and discovers the loss. Manuel rides for the sheriff. Joe telegraphs the next station for help and the division inspector and his squad hasten on a hand-car. Sheriff and inspector arrive at the same time and an impromptu court is held. The receipt is shown and things look bad for Joe, when a noise is heard on the roof. Nell, repenting of her deed, has located the bar and means to save Joe. She accuses Manuel of the theft and his actions are sufficient proof that he is the real culprit. The sheriff takes Manuel and bids all the others depart, winking significantly at Joe and Nell.