Bill Pendleton, former rodeo champion and newly elected sheriff, is scheduled to hold an auction of the goods and chattels of Ruth Howells. J. S. Dokes, who holds her notes, is determined that his "no-account" son, Gus, will marry Ruth, but she refuses him. Dokes stages a pony express race on the day of the auction to distract potential bidders, hoping that he can buy the property at a cheaper price. Bill decides to resign his post temporarily and to enter the race. He overcomes the interference of Dokes's men, wins the race, and arrives in time to buy Ruth's pet horse, "The White Duchess." Meanwhile, Gus has abducted Ruth. Bill leaps on White Duchess and rides to the rescue.—AFI