Hoot is a cowpuncher, somewhat addicted to liquor (when he can get it). His sweetheart, the rancher's daughter, tells him that if he ever takes another drink, their engagement is at an end.
Hoot is the only cattleman in the neighborhood and he is about to be run off the range by the wealthiest sheep man in the district. Hoot is in love with the sheep man's daughter, and refuses to be run off. The little son of the sheep herder strays away and wanders to Hoot's shanty, where Hoot keeps him, sending a note to the father to come after him. A villainous foreman intercepts the note and plots a kidnapping frame-up. After a near tragic climax, Hoot captures and unmasks the villain, winning the girl and the good will of her father.
Ranchmen try to play a joke on one of their associates by signing his name to a letter addressed to Sarah Smith, who has advertised in a matrimonial journal. A mix-up occurs on the day of the arrival of the lady when a younger woman, sent to buy stock, also appears on the scene and is mistaken for the prospective bride.
The hero befriends a young school teacher, who adopts a child at his suggestion. The real father of the child, who neglected its mother and allowed her to die, tries to make the teacher believe the hero is its father, which brings about an interesting complication.
The railroad wants to extend a line across the Briggs' ranch, and hires a gang to get rid of John Briggs and his daughter, Nan sweetheart of the local sheriff. Wanderers "Sidewinder" Steve and his young friend "Red" Hepner take a hand in the proceedings and manage to save Briggs and his daughter, the ranch, and the romance.