Gray Dove, a squaw, has been a patient and faithful attendant to her Chief. He becomes infatuated with a young squaw, Briar Rose, who desires his whole attention. She persuades the Chief to get rid of Gray Dove. He gives her corn and water and despite her dumb entreaties he casts her out and she wanders out to the big desert with her little son, Red Deer. Hunger and thirst overtakes them and the woman, after giving the boy the last drop of water, folds him in her arms and lies down to await the advent of the Happy Hunting Grounds. A wagon train happens along and Big Bill and his wife find the child alive, the squaw having gone to await the coming of her son. They pick up the boy and bury the mother. Ten years pass and Red Deer grows to be a fine type of the educated Indian. He loves the woods and wilds, and one day, whilst setting traps for beavers, he meets the pretty little Indian maiden, Golden Willow. "Like turns to Like" and it is a case of love at first sight. Outside the fort, guards are watching the horses grazing, when a band of horse thieves ride up, kill the guards and escape with the horses. They sell them to the Indians. The garrison is aroused, ride out, see the horses in the Indian camp, attack it and take a number of the Indians prisoners. Little Golden Willow escapes and meets Red Deer. She tells him the circumstances and together they ride to the fort. The Colonel listens and is convinced. He apologizes to the Chief and releases the Indian prisoners. Red Deer joins the tribe and asks for and is given Golden Willow for his squaw, and Red Deer is made Chief for his services in saving the Red Men. The spirit of Gray Dove rises above the Happy Hunting Grounds and blesses her son and his mate.
—Moving Picture World synopsis