Steven Wallace, a millionaire's son, demonstrates a failure of courage in hesitating to rescue his female riding companion while a mounted policeman comes to her aid. Stung by the realization of his cowardice, he leaves town and later applies for a position on the police force. He finds lodging with the Gray family and falls for Mary, the cheerful young daughter. Steve warns young Jimmy, whom he finds fighting, to avoid bad company, and the boy resents his interference. On the day of Steve and Mary's engagement the hardware store is robbed, and although Mary tries to clear her brother, Steve suspects Jimmy's participation in the crime and arrests him. In an escape attempt Jimmy starts a fire and is killed in a fall; Steve rescues Mrs. Gray, is awarded a medal for heroism, and, before returning home, marries Mary.