Jack Howard returns from the war to learn that his father, Sheriff Howard, has been killed by an unknown assailant. He resolves to avenge his father and induces the mayor of Gold Strike to swear him in as sheriff. Jack is jeered by local heavies, whose leader, Jeff Taylor, has spread rumors of Jack's cowardice during the war. At his mother's request, Jack promises to refrain from interfering with the gang's depredations and robberies. However, after the outlaws vandalize Jack's home, abduct his sweetheart, Molly Turner, and attempt to frame him for a robbery, Mrs. Howard releases her son from his promise. Jack pursues the bandits, rescues Molly, and confirms Jeff as Sheriff Howard's killer.