Plot

Hardy ranch owner Delia Jamieson hires John Trent as her foreman after he befriends her niece Martha. Jeff Carey, jealous of Trent's friendship with Martha, plants some stolen gold in his room and reveals this act to Delia, who visits Trent privately. Trent tries to tell Delia of his love for Martha, but she misunderstands him, thinking he is in love with her. When Delia does understand, however, she sends Martha away and orders the boys to whip Trent. She repents in time, sacrificing herself for her niece's happiness.—AFI

Delila Jamieson is the owner of the Circle R Ranch. Her goal is to get possession of the adjoining Lazy O Ranch, for which she holds the mortgage. That ranch is owned by Van Breuwen. Meanwhile, Van Breuwen's goal is to get Delila's niece Martha. While picking up the mail from the stage one day, Martha is annoyed by Van Breuwen's attentions. John Trent, who is on the stage, intercedes. He falls for Martha, and applies for work at the Circle R. Trent's ability and loyalty win him a rapid promotion. Through his efforts, the mortgage on the Lazy O is foreclosed. Delila gives a celebration party, at which she announces the appointment of Trent as foreman of the Circle R. Jeff Carey, the previous foreman, attempts to injure Trent during a cattle stampede. To this point, Trent and Martha have kept their love a secret. Now Trent sees this as an opportune time to announce their engagement. Martha realizes that her aunt has become fond of Trent, so she urges him to be diplomatic. Trent sees Delila, but bungles his words, making her think he is declaring his love for her. Delila rushes out to tell Martha of her happiness. Martha is dazed by the news, and Trent, realizing his mistake, bluntly tells Delila that it is really Martha he loves. He assures Delila of his admiration, but the blow to Delila's pride is terrific. Delila puts Martha out in a blinding snowstorm and demands that Trent appear before a council of the ranch hands. Jeff Carey has told Delila he has seen Trent stealing from the ranch safe. The money is found under Trent's bunk. Delila orders Carey to punish Trent with a whip. But Trent turns the tables on him, and beats the truth out of Carey. Trent hurries to the ranch to get Martha, but learns she is probably at Van Breuwen's, seeking shelter from the storm. Trent explains to Delila that Van Breuwen no longer wants to marry Martha, and that the girl is not safe at his house. When Delila is not moved by this, Trent tells her he has always thought of her as an eagle, and of Martha as an eagle's feather. After Trent leaves, Delila seems to hear "the eagle's feather" calling her for help. She awakens the ranch parson, and they take off into the storm after Trent. When they arrive at Van Breuwen's house, they look through a window and see Trent bound to a chair. Martha, meanwhile, is crouching in another chair. Delila rushes in and covers Van Breuwen with her revolver. Trent is freed, and while Delila continues to hold Van Breuwen at gunpoint, the parson performs a wedding ceremony for Martha and Trent. Delila then tells Trent she never believed the accusation against him. As a wedding present, she gives the pair ownership of the Lazy O Ranch, and a partnership in her own ranch.