In 1853, young Southerner Don Buckner goes west in search of gold to recoup his dwindling fortune, spent mostly on his new bride, Elizabeth. During the years of his absence he fails to communicate with his wife or his mother Margarite, even when he strikes gold, because he hopes to make this good fortune a surprise. His cousin, infatuated with Elizabeth, tries to persuade her that Don is dead and forcibly kisses her. Margarite, thinking her daughter-in-law is unfaithful, dies of a broken heart. Don returns, sees his mother's grave, and learns of his wife's "infidelity." He kills his cousin in a duel, orders Elizabeth from his house, frees his slaves, sets fire to his house, and decides to return to California alone. His wife, however, persuades him to take her along. Don realizes he still loves her when she becomes lost in a sandstorm. He finds Elizabeth, and they continue on to California reunited in love.—AFI