| Plot Summary |
Rev. Kirby, the Sheriff of Tuolumne, and Joe Standing, a young prospector, are suitors for the hand of Lucy Hanford. She shows her preference for Joe, and the sheriff retires, heavy hearted, leaving the younger man a clear field. Joe's untiring search for gold is rewarded by the locating of a rich pocket, and in a mad rush to the assayer's office, he trips and tumbles in the village street, spilling some of the valuable dust. Cal. Birch and "Boots" Rooney, a couple of claim jumpers, who have recently drifted into Tuolumne, see the accident, and realizing the value of the new find, plot to obtain possession of the claim. They follow Joe to the scene of his new-found wealth. During a struggle for possession of Joe's gun. "Boots" fires at Joe from behind a tree. The bullet misses its mark, but kills his own companion, Cal. Birch. "Boots" rushes upon the scene and accuses the bewildered Joe of murdering his friend. The young miner, thoroughly frightened, has his hands tied by the cunning "Boots," and is marched into the village at the point of a gun. A mob has gathered and are about to lunch the young prospector, when the Sheriff intervenes. At this point, Joe slips his bonds and escapes, the mob following in pursuit. Joe throws the mob off the scent and takes refuge in Lucy's home, where he is later located by the sheriff. Lucy pleads for her lover's life and the sheriff allows them to escape the second time. The infuriated mob hunt him down, however, and are just about to "string him up," when the sheriff, who has in the meantime learned of Joe's innocence, dashes in, saves Joe's life and captures the real scoundrel, "Boots." Young Standing, in his gratitude, repays the sheriff by retiring form the race for Lucy's affection.
Written by Moving Picture World synopsis
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