Newlyweds Mary Bird and Myron Sharpe share an idyllic life in a small New England town until the birth of their children. Myron becomes discontented as Mary's time becomes more devoted to her children than to making herself attractive for her husband. When Mary's old friend Pauline Dallas comes to visit, Myron finds himself attracted to her chic appearance. The two are on the threshold of a love affair when Mary becomes lost in a storm while boating.

Hoot is the only cattleman in the neighborhood and he is about to be run off the range by the wealthiest sheep man in the district. Hoot is in love with the sheep man's daughter, and refuses to be run off. The little son of the sheep herder strays away and wanders to Hoot's shanty, where Hoot keeps him, sending a note to the father to come after him. A villainous foreman intercepts the note and plots a kidnapping frame-up. After a near tragic climax, Hoot captures and unmasks the villain, winning the girl and the good will of her father.