The Virginian (Dustin Farnum) is a fun-loving cowboy who, along with best friend, Steve (J.W. Johnston), settles in Bear Creek, Wyoming. There he meets and falls in love with newly arrived schoolteacher Molly (Winifred Kingston). Steve, meanwhile, joins the gang of local cattle rustler Trampas (Billy Elmer), and when some livestock is stolen, the Virginian suspects his friend is in on it. A posse is formed and, at the request of the townsfolk, the Virginian reluctantly takes the lead.