Evelyn Hicks, a beautiful daughter of the west, becomes engaged to Broncho Billy, while at an informal dance. Sheriff Hardley, laid up with an injured ankle, sends for Broncho Billy, swears him in as sheriff, and instructs him to capture the two horse thieves that were causing considerable disturbance in the surrounding territory. Imagine the surprise, humiliation and pain Broncho Billy suffers when he discovers that one of the bandits is the brother of the girl he loves.