Plot

Ever since he was young, Tom Tuckett has been sent to good schools and looked after by an unknown benefactor. When he joins the wagon train he feels he's about to find out who that is but it isn't who he imagined.

As a young orphan boy Tom Tuckett encounters a convict in the marshes. The man has the boy bring him a file which he uses to remove his chains. Later, a mysterious benefactor pays for Tom to attend some of the best schools including law school, become a gentleman, and join the wagon train to San Francisco where a job awaits him. He finds two friends are on the train - Miss Stevenson and the girl she raised, Elizabeth. Miss Stevenson was left at the alter leaving her with a lonely and cruel attitude toward life and love which she has passed to Elizabeth. Tom met Elizabeth when she was fourteen and has loved her ever since although she thought him to be "common". Nat Burikett surprises Adams at night. He is the cause of the many Indian drums they have heard. Tom believes Miss Stevenson is his benefactor but it is Nat, the convict wanted for treason for warning the Indians about an Army attack when he was a Lieutenant. Tom learns Elizabeth is going to San Francisco to marry as he leaves with Nat who has been recognized by Colonel Barkley. After they leave, Nat hears the Indian drums say the soldiers chasing him will be massacred so he returns to save them. He asks the Indians to let the soldiers live, but they request the Army to let Nat live. Tom returns to the train to find Elizabeth and even Miss Stevenson had a change of heart like the Army.—Anonymous