Drums of the Desert

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Chief Brave Bear and his people gather at the Navajo reservation to confront a problem: A group of men, headed by Will Newton, seeks to force them off their lands. Desert rats Perkins and Hi-Lo encounter Professor Elias Manton and his daughter, Mary, who hire them as guides. The group meets John Curry, a friend of the Navajo, whose cordiality arouses their suspicion. Newton makes an unsuccessful attempt to dissuade the Manton team from continuing its work in the desert while casting aspersions on John. However, John proves himself by rescuing the kidnapped professor from Newton's men. While the gang attempts to seize Navajo oil claims, Brave Bear leads his people in defense of their sacred altars. John tries to defuse the situation but is shot and wounded by Newton. The U.S. Cavalry arrives and places the Newton gang under arrest. Mary comes to admire John and they fall in love.