A Western Girl

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Dick, an easterner, comes west to try his luck at mining. No sooner does he arrive than Hartley, the local gambler and all-around villain, commences to make sport at his expense. Dick endeavors to bear it patiently, but a clash is inevitable, until the arrival at the village store of Mary Brown, one whom all held in respect, excepting Hartley. The latter grabs the girl and endeavors to steal a kiss, which she struggles to resent, aided by Dick. In the fight Dick is knocked unconscious. The men become frightened and slink off. Mary is favorably impressed with the stranger and aids him back to consciousness. Dick is also impressed and accompanies her home. Mr. Brown, hearing of Dick's bravery, is only too pleased to give him pointers on mining, and every day they start out together to prospect for the precious metal. A month passes with no results, and Dick is downhearted. Were it not for the encouragement of Mary he would quit. On one of these days he strikes the vein, discovers a great mine, but when he has the dust in his hand, Hartley and his men appear, overpower and bind him and hasten to register the claim for themselves. Meanwhile, Mary at home has discovered a photo in Dick's coat of a woman and two children, with an inscription on the back that leads her to believe Dick is married. With a broken heart she seeks him at his work, only to discover Hartley's dastardly trick. For the love she bore Dick, she herself mounted a horse and rode like mad for the claim office, just in time to foil Hartley. Dick, of course, is pleased, and with the prospect of wealth, expresses his love. Mary produces the picture, which, however, he is able to show is that of his sister, after which all Mary's objections are for naught.