Dick Leighton as sheriff is a recognized authority by everyone except Cass Blake and a few others. He is in love with Jean Ainsworth, but promises to take care of Nora Foster after her guardian dies. Cass Blake brutally murders Nora, and Dick starts on a hunt for him. He trails him and in capturing Blake, shoots and wounds him. Jean's father, a political power supported by a gang that is opposed to Dick, refuses to allow the wounded man to be cared for in the hospital which he controls. He frames Dick, knowing that Dick will defend the sick man. and hoping that he will shoot in his own defense and hurt some of his own followers. Dick does shoot when the mob attacks the hospital, but he kills Ainsworth's own son. Dick is forced to prosecute Ainsworth, but knowing that his arrest would come between his daughter's happiness and Dick's, Ainsworth escapes, and leaves Dick's conscience clear.