Jim Patton and Joe Braly are partners in a mining claim. Jim forces a quarrel over the division of their first cleanup, and thinking he has killed Joe, puts his body in a canoe and lets it float down the river where, later, Joe, stunned, but still breathing, is found by the Indians. The red men take him home and nurse him back to health. But with the restoration of his bodily vigor, his mind remains like that of a little child. All memory of his history, and of his identity, has forsaken him. Jim disposes of the ill-gotten claim at a big price, and is elected to Congress by the wealthy cattle interest of his district. He meets the beautiful daughter of Senator Carew, and thinking that marriage with her will further his political ambitions, he divorces his wife. Patton and Senator Carew pass a bill providing for Indian reservations. They are called to a western fort to confer with the chiefs, among whom is Joe Braly. The sight of him brings back Joe's memory, and he plans revenge. Joe, whom Patton fails to recognize in his Indian dress, promises that the Indians shall go peacefully onto the reservation. He then orders the red men to watch all trails from the fort. They attack the stage, taking Patton captive. Making himself known to Patton, Joe binds his hands together, ties a canteen of water around his neck, and turns him loose in the desert.