The story deals, as its name implies, with the rigid law of the Northwest and with Jack Meadows' efforts to set free the girl's father, who is the sheriff. The man has been wounded by outlaws and found in a dying state by Jack and his pal. The two set out to bring the criminals to justice. The girl at first misjudges Jack and believes him responsible for her father's disappearance. When he proves the respected deputy is in reality the leader of a band of liquor smugglers and captures the culprits, she changes her mind. Jack's identity as a government ranger is established.