Ralph Hartsook becomes a schoolmaster of the Indiana Flat Creek district. He stays at the home of Old Jack Means, a wealthy citizen who wants Ralph to marry his daughter Mirandy. Instead, Ralph falls in love with Hannah Thompson, a 20-year-old orphan who works at the Means home. Political boss Pete Jones and local physician Dr. Small, to divert suspicion from themselves, accuse war veteran John Pearson of looting the house of toll-taker Dutchy Snyder. Hannah's brother Shocky and Ralph save Pearson from being lynched by a mob. Then Ralph is accused of the crime because he was seen in the vicinity of Snyder's house the night of the robbery. In the ensuing trial, Ralph successfully defends himself, while Bud Means exposes Pete Jones and Dr. Small as leaders of a gang of robbers. Ralph and Hannah marry after she is released from her bondage at the Means home.—AFI