When Lem Holbrook steals some money from his father, Eph Holbrook, to give to Rose, Reuben Whitcomb is accused and jailed. There he meets Happy Jack, and they escape; but Reuben's father, Uncle Josh, is forced to mortgage his farm to Eph to cover the loss. Reuben's sweetheart, Ann, is disturbed by reports that he has gone to meet Rose, but Uncle Josh hears from Happy Jack that he has actually gone to China. Happy Jack goes to search for Reuben while Uncle Josh finds it harder and harder to meet his payments. Just as he is about to sell out, a violent storm levels all of the town except Uncle Josh's farm, prompting Lem to confess to the robbery. Reuben returns, and all are reconciled.—AFI