Jim sells his crop and secures enough money to lift the mortgage. He goes with Nell to pay, but stops at a saloon for a drink. During Nell's protestation Manuel, a gambler, learns of the mortgage money, and plans to get it. He starts his game. Jim, in luck, finally wagers his all against advice of Tom, a stranger. He loses, and Tom picks up the shells to show that none held the elusive pea. Manuel escapes and wounds Jim. Tom, having met Nell, plans to recover the money after the searching party return and report failure. He tracks Manuel and holds up the stage in which he is making his escape, retaining Manuel while making the rest drive off. It then dawns upon him when he learns that the posse is pursuing (the holdup having been reported) that he may be hanged. He rides to Nell's house and throws the money through a window, explaining his hurry. Nell mounts and follows the posse and after explanations, the boys vote to acquit, while Nell and Tom ride off toward the horizon of a new life.