Trama

Jim Benton has been too busy making money to learn to read and write, but he persuades Evelyn Hastings to open school on his ranch and he is her most devoted pupil. The sheepmen carry out their threat to cut off Benton's water supply and Evelyn makes him promise to shoot only in self-defense. He keeps his promise, but still he has to kill, and a packed jury of sheepmen bring in a death verdict. The cattlemen attempt a rescue, but it is Evelyn who saves the day.—Moving Picture World synopsis

Jim Benton, owner of the biggest cattle ranch in South California, is unable to read or write. Jim meets Evelyn Hastings, who he learns is a schoolmarm and persuades her to open school for his cowboys and himself. Jim proves a star pupil and aided by his affection for his teacher he makes rapid strides in scholarship. Then the sheep-men close the dam which waters Benton's herds and it is up to Jim to open the dam at all costs. Before he and his punchers leave he premises Evelyn he will only use his guns in self-defense. Jim is called upon to protect himself and kills the deputy sheriff. He is arrested and the sheriff promises him a fair trial and a jury of cow-men. The judge, however, is bribed and he installs a jury of sheep-men, who return a death verdict. Just as Benton is led to the gallows Evelyn arrives with a pardon from the Governor and Benton wins in two ways.