A deputy sheriff in a small Western town terrorized by a masked stage robber known only as the Black Bandit.

Shooting blindly, the redskin slays his best friend.

Miller conceives a bitter hatred for Howard, his successful rival for the hand of Ruth, daughter of Colonel Cameron, commandant of a western array post. A party of immigrants, ignorant of Indian customs, destroy some burial scaffolds. The desecration is witnessed by the red men and a desperate battle ensues.

General Gordon, of the Federal army, receives a message from General Grant, telling him to intercept important dispatches "from Lee to Webber, carried over wires" in Gordon's vicinity. Lieutenant Barrett assumes the task, takes his instruments and sets out. Colonel Webber, of the Confederate army, has a daughter Edith. Lieutenant Fairfax aspires to her hand, but his attentions only annoy her.

Helen Ross spends her time reading novels. She has made up her mind to marry only a young man whom she can save from something or other, or one who can rescue her in some romantic way.

Jack, Alice and Dandy are a well assorted trio. Jack is handsome, Alice sweet and Dandy is the best horse and friend a man ever had. Dandy takes the honors and a blue ribbon at the rodeo. Old Bill, the foreman, retires and Jack is given his position. Everyone is satisfied but Pedro, who treasures a grudge against the handsome Jack. His dislike turns into hate when Jack chastises the Mexican for ill-treating a horse. He seeks out the Indians and incites them to help him steal some of the Bar "B" horses.