Jim, the apple of his mother's eyes, is the big-hearted galoot of a man and is sheriff of his small town. He is sweet on Nell, who he has known all his life. Just as he is about to propose to her, he finds out that he has missed his opportunity as Diamond Dan, a big city slicker, has already proposed to her, to which she's accepted.
Captain Harding, grown rich by illegally collecting insurance on self-destroyed boats, decides to settle down and chooses a home near where Old Ben and his daughter, Alice, fisherfolk, live. Alice and Herbert, a young fisherman, are in love. Captain Harding has long had his covetous eyes on the girl and is awaiting an opportunity to get her in his power.
The story concerns cowboy Tom Warner, who raises sheep on a cattle ranch owned by a man named Dixon, the father of his girlfriend Jean. Jean, meanwhile, is being menaced by a Mexican outlaw who wants to have his way with her. When Jean's father decides he no longer wants Tom to raise sheep on his ranch they quarrel, and Dixon later sends a gang of thuggish ranch hands to persuade Tom to see things his way.
Ma and Dad, with their two daughters, live in a cottage in a small western town. The sheriff is a friend of the family and a frequent visitor. Tom, the gambler, has tried to force his attention on Madge and Rose. The gambler plays cards in a bar-room with an assayer, and breaks him. Thereupon the assayer decides to end his life, but the gambler advances him some money.
A cowboy gets a message that his sister's husband has left her in ill health. When he gets there, Texas finds her dead. He sets out to track down the promise-breaker and avenge his sister. On the way, Texas meets Moya Dalton, the fiery daughter of a rancher, and attempts to court her.