Robert Trent is engaged to Mary Vail. Robert's friend, Hal Murray, is also in love with Mary, but because of his friendship for Robert conceals his affection. A political boss named Forbes is also enamored of the girl, and seeks to make her his own. When he finds that she is engaged to Robert he plots to lure him from the straight and narrow path. Forbes has an adventuress named Vera Deamond snare Robert. She leads him into extravagant follies, and his indiscretions cause Mary to break her engagement. Robert loses his position, and Vera promptly throws him over. He chokes her and leaves her dead, fleeing to a better life in the west with the thought that he is a murderer. Later, Hal and Mary become engaged. Forbes tells Mary that he has proof Hal killed Vera. Unless she breaks her engagement and marries him (Forbes), he will see that Hal is convicted of murder. In the west Robert hears that Forbes is planning to have his friend accused of murder. He hastens cast to clear Hal. Upon arrival he finds in Hal's room a note in Mary's handwriting telling him that she is going to marry the boss. Robert starts to find Mary, not knowing that Hal and the police are also searching for her. Just before the ceremony Robert comes upon the pair. Telling Forbes that in the west men kill coyotes with knives. He fights a knife duel with the boss. Forbes is killed, just as Hal and the police break in. The girl is thus free to choose for herself, and the end brings her happiness.