Broncho Billy is in love with Marguerite Clayton, who is devotedly fond of him. Broncho asks her to go to a dance with him, but when he meets Elsa Larimer, who is on a visit from the East, he forgets his promise to Marguerite and takes Elsa to the dance. Marguerite's heart is broken, and Elsa finding her weeping, discovers that she is the cause of Marguerite's sorrow
Silas Kendall, a prospector, and his daughter Nell, so the story goes, are prospecting in the mountains, a few miles above Canyon City, a little western town, and the basis of supplies for the hundreds of more or less successful gold prospectors. Kendall has built him a cabin and he and his daughter, a robust little woman, have managed to eke out a living, always hopeful some day of making the "big strike."
Broncho Billy and his pal, Carl Stockdale, are in love with Peggy Adams. The two men receive a letter from the girl to the effect that the one who reaches her first shall be her husband. Broncho and Carl cut cards to see who will go, and the former wins. On the way, Broncho Billy is shot by a half-breed who has a grudge against him.
Jason Watkins, a real estate and loan agent, enters his office in the little Arizona town of Navajo, to find that during the night robbers have visited the place and broken into his safe, taking with them a large sum of money and other valuables. Watkins immediately notifies the sheriff, a posse is hurriedly organized and a search made for the culprits.
Jeff Bandera, outlaw, has been capture by the sheriff, who is taking him by rail to the nearest lockup. Jeff is desperate and when the train slows down to a curve he makes a leap through the window and, despite his handcuffs, escapes serious injury. Before the sheriff can leave the train and pursue him Jeff has taken refuge in the gulches of the rough country
The scene opens in the bunk house of the Lazy K Ranch, where we see Jack Hartley and his pal Jack Smythe. Hartley has just received a letter from the east, in which his mother asks him for money. Hartley is much depressed. He is broke and sees no immediate prospect of recouping his fortunes. Smythe, learning of Hartley's dilemma, offers his roll to his pal, who gratefully accepts it.
Nellie Blair, the niece of a wealthy ranchman, and an orphan, comes in make her home with her uncle, and shortly after her arrival finds that the whole "Circle A" outfit, every manjack on the place, is in love with her.
In Colombia, Demetrio and his father of the same name live a history of political struggle and violence in relations with a group of priests. During 40 years they'll live and act in the armed conflict between the conservative and the liberals; and pass down the acts of violence through the generations.
Patricia Watkins and her father are proprietors of the Lariat Saloon and dance hall but because of his small size and his tendency to keep in a state of perpetual drunkenness the old man has little to do with the business. Patricia as a barmaid meets all the riffraff of humanity drifting across the plains to the west and the Lariat Saloon is noted far and wide, not so much for the quality of its poisons as for the pretty maid who always offers a smile with the drink.
Juan, a greaser, tries to influence Tom Morgan to steal some money from his wife. Juan finally persuades Morgan. The money Morgan gambles and loses. A week later, Juan discovers the express agent placing two bags of gold in the safe. Juan induces Morgan to help him rob the office.
"Pony" O'Brien, or Number 3 of the relay between two desert-bound western cities, draws his horse before his sweetheart's house and lingers somewhat longer with his packet of mail as he tells her the good news of a raise in salary which means they will soon be ready to marry.
Silver Bell, the winsome daughter of old Gray Wolf, is sought by Fleetfoot, a likely young man of the tribe and a good huntsman. Gray Wolf sees no reason why his obstinate daughter should not become the squaw of Fleetfoot and despite her pleadings to be permitted to stay in her father's tepee she is sold to Fleetfoot for the consideration of Tu-tu, the horse, and a red blanket.
Marjorie Wayne, the new school-teacher, comes to town and boards at the same ranch where Broncho Billy is foreman. Broncho Billy falls in love with her winsome ways and proposes to her. She tells him she does not love him, but expresses a wish that they be good friends. Her sweetheart from the city comes to the ranch and she marries him, much to the chagrin of Broncho Billy.
Bob Dean, the deputy sheriff of Tonopah County, has fallen in love with Nance O'Brien, a bewitching little western maid, whose brother, as he supposes, works a claim on a neighboring hillside.
Jack Hartley, the foreman of the Triple X Ranch, is engaged to Nellie Monroe, the ranch owner's daughter. A quarrel starts between Jack and "Red" Williams, a cow-puncher, when the latter first makes advances to Nellie, and second, when Williams abuses a faithful Indian ranch hand. On this latter occasion Jack is unable to restrain his temper.