Greed for gold, this is what has dragged many a man downward. Skinflint, a miser, not satisfied with the gold he boards, tries to make a practice of selling whiskey to the Indians, taking from them practically all the gold they possess for just a few glasses of the fire water. Skinflint might have succeeded had it not been for Bill Riley, a prospector, who quickly takes the bottle of intoxicating liquor from the Indian and smashes it on a nearby rock. Skinflint becomes enraged and determines to get even.

A western prospector, who has been unusually lucky, prepares to return east to his wife. The suspicious actions of a gypsy horse-trader, whom he has seen loitering near his cabin, prompts him to take his gold to the bank, but on the way he is thrown from his horse and suffers fatal injuries. A young man and woman come on the scene and are given the gold, after they promise the dying man to send a portion of it to his wife. Later, the gypsy, learning who got the gold, attacks the mother of the young people and escapes with the treasure.

When Widow Jenkins publishes the news that she has been left a valuable estate and other properties, including a grocery store, all the eligible men of the neighborhood seek to win her hand. The most persistent of her admirers is Alkali Ike, who absolutely refuses to remove himself from her immediate vicinity and guards her so well that none of the other suitors are given a fair opportunity to propose.

Broncho Billy, a woodsman, living in northern Montana, is greeted by Paul Harding, an artist from New York City. Harding presents Broncho Billy with a letter of introduction. The newcomer is taken into the rough western home and is told to make his headquarters there until he has finished with his painting. Harding sees in Broncho Billy's wife, an excellent subject for oils, and is given consent to paint her portrait. Harding takes a deep interest in the woman and not only teaches her how to read and write, but gives her a thorough knowledge of worldly things in general. Some time later, Harding receives a telegram demanding that he return to his home immediately, that his mother is critically ill. Broncho Billy's wife takes Harding to the railroad station in their buggy. Broncho gets wind of his wife driving away with Harding, and comes to the untimely conclusion that she is eloping with the artist. Harding is overtaken by Broncho Billy and a fierce struggle ensues.

George Ingraham is refused a loan by all the money lenders in town, until one of them accidentally discovering that a vein of gold runs through Ingraham's land, offers to lend him the money on the property, with the understanding that he is to take possession if the money is not paid back by 12 o'clock noon on September 30th.

Marguerite discovers a personal in the paper asking for information concerning Wallace Jones, and stating that he is heir to an immense fortune, which she shows to her mother. That morning, when a man applies to Mrs. Joslin for a room in her house and the landlady discovers his valise is marked "W. Jones," both she and her daughter insist on his taking one of their rooms, and make a great fuss over him. Mr. Jones is at a loss to understand their overwhelming attentions, but as Marguerite is extremely pretty, he accepts the fussing good-naturedly, as far as she is concerned.

Herbert Corrington, a would-be gambler and agent for an express company, not satisfied with the necessities of life, tries his luck at roulette, appropriating the express company's money. Robert, the son, is fast traveling in the footsteps of his father. The Sheriff in the next county is sent for a large package of money in Corrington's possession to be delivered to the Blue Ledge Mine for the payroll. Corrington gambles a thousand dollars of this money and loses. Broncho Billy, a professional gambler, loans Corrington the money necessary to replace the funds he had maliciously taken. Corrington gives the gambler a note payable in thirty days or his home as collateral in case of default.

Harry Keenan is in love with the pretty young school teacher of Green River, but his attentions disturb her. One day when the man is annoying her beyond all endurance, Fred Church comes to the rescue and sends Keenan about his business. The school teacher and Church immediately fall in love with each other. Some time later Keenan shoots and robs Church. The girl has arranged to meet her sweetheart at a turn of the Green River road and when he does not appear she goes in search of him. When she comes upon him lying injured in the road, he is just barely able to tell her what has happened.

Caleb Breen and Lucy Oliver are sweethearts and intend to marry just as soon as Breen strikes gold. Will Drummond arrives at Hillsdale, where he visits Henry McLean, a wealthy ranchman. Ruth, the ranchman's daughter, is engaged to Drummond. The stranger from the east meets Lucy one fine October morning, and the two become quite chummy.

"Chuck" Peters, a gambler, is in love with Nell Braley, the daughter of the town saloon keeper. Nell, however, loves Bob Coleman, a cattleman. The express messenger is held up in the woods and the bandit escapes, leaving a snake hatband as a clue. Coleman inherits money, and as he is riding to the next town, finds the hatband and buckles it around his sombrero.