In Grass Valley, the location of a recent gold strike, Nick, "The Kid," is a friendly bandit, who plans to return jewels his gang stole from "Countess" Lola Montaine, a French performer. A man of honor, Nick also saves the life of a Pony Express agent, whom his gang shot while they were on a robbery that they kept secret from him. He brings the mail to Mr. Beckworth at the Express office. Gail Winters, who works for Beckworth, admires Nick, but hopes he will reform. Nick splits the robbery money with his gang, which includes the sheriff, Jake Sharpe, but keeps some money to help an old woman buy back her home, thereby inspiring the enmity of his gang members. Jake steals the Countess' jewels from Nick, but Nick steals them back and visits with the Countess himself, who is delighted by the return of the jewels and responds to him amorously. Gail's arrival ruins the moment, however, and Nick becomes angry that Gail would tarnish her reputation by befriending the Countess. The Countess is insulted, but the encounter has shown both Gail and Nick that they are in love. The Countess convinces Jake to arrest Nick, who has gotten an honest job as a Pony Express agent, after which Jake schemes with the gang to kill Nick after he releases him. Mistrustful of Jake, Nick goes to the Countess' cabin with Jake upon his release. There he has the Countess write a statement that Jake signs, in which he confesses to robbery, resigns from his post and incriminates the other gang members as well. Jake steals the letter before Nick leaves. Recognizing Jake's true nature, the Countess struggles with him with a knife. He kills her and hides the letter. When the deputy arrives, Jake tells him that Nick killed the Countess and goes for a posse. Meanwhile, the Countess' monkey finds the statement and gives it to the deputy, who rides in time to save Nick from being hanged. Jake attempts an escape, but Nick chases him until Jake falls over a cliff to his death. Gail brings Nick his mail so he can make his delivery and save his job, and she promises to wait for him until he returns.