The Desert Ghost

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The country has been terrorized by the depredations of a robber, called the "Desert Ghost." Ben is respected by his neighbors, who little suspect that he is the Desert Ghost. One day a rancher brings Mr. Jacobs to his hut and explains to Ben that the visitor intends buying a ranch. Ben offers to share his cabin with the stranger. Jacobs is a secret agent sent by a foreign power to secure maps of the surrounding country. The government has been advised of this mission and Smyth, a Secret Service man, has been sent to frustrate his plans. One day, as Jacobs is left alone in the cabin, Ben's dog attracts his attention to a trap-door, and Jacobs, investigating, finds loot which Ben has secured after a recent raid. While he is examining it Ben returns. Jacobs confesses that he is a well-known character of the underworld, and the two decide to become pals. Shortly after, Jacobs receives a telegram warning him of the advent of Smyth. He tells Ben that it is a message from a pal with the information that a rich chap will be on the stage that night. Each decides to hold up the stage for his own purpose. Ben arrives just as Jacobs is about to hang Smyth, with the aid of his spy, who was on the stage. The true mission of Jacobs is discovered and Ben, who is fatally wounded, has the satisfaction of knowing that the map will not fall into the hands of the foreign government.