Plot

When Mark Reid, a young man seeking his fortune in the gold fields of California, discovers Mike O'Hara attempting to jump his claim, he becomes violent. However, the Good Samaritan intervenes and prevents him from injuring O'Hara, Reid, ashamed of his behavior, offers his adversary a share in the mine. Hearing of their good fortune, Morrison, a promoter from San Francisco, makes the partners an offer they cannot refuse. Reid goes to San Francisco to conclude the deal; while there he meets Morrison's niece Barbara and the two fall in love. Morrison learns of their engagement just as he is about to strip Reid of his profits in a bogus stock deal. The news fails to deter him and Reid loses all his possessions, believing that Barbara was an accomplice in her uncle's scheme. Returning to the gold fields, Reid discovers that O'Hara has staked another successful claim and the two men renew their partnership. Reid rises in the financial world and is about to crush Morrison, when the Good Samaritan intervenes once again, bringing Barbara to Reid's house where his better instincts prevail.—AFI

Mark Reid, a young prospector, discovers gold in the Sierra foothills. He meets an old man known as "The Good Samaritan," who counsels him and welcomes him into his home. While he is away registering his claim, another prospector, Mike O'Hara, comes along, and, seeing no one around, takes possession of the gold mine. When Reid returns, the two engage in a struggle. As Reid is about to be overcome, an Indian slips a dagger into his hand. Reid is about to stab O'Hara when The Good Samaritan appears and stops the fight. Reid and the O'Hara set aside their differences and decide to become partners. Later that night, at a saloon, O'Hara boasts of his partnership with Reid. George Morrison, an unscrupulous promoter from San Francisco, overhears this and makes Reid an offer for the gold mine. In reality, he is planning to fleece Reid and O'Hara.

Reid meets Morrison's niece, Barbara, and falls for her. The two announce their engagement, but Morrison goes ahead with his plan. He pays Reid $65,000, then sells the young prospector bogus oil stock. Now broke, Reid believes Barbara never intended to marry him. He wanders about the slums of San Francisco until he feels the desire to search for gold again. He discovers O'Hara is in possession of another rich mine, and becomes his partner.

Years pass, and Reid rises in the financial world. He plots his revenge on Morrison. Reid causes a run on the stock market, which ruins Morrison. With his adversary now at his mercy, Reid encounters The Good Samaritan again, who encourages him to forgive past wrongs. Reid and Barbara find happiness together.