One who has not traveled across a desert barely realizes what a trying and dangerous thing it is. The sheriff of Desert Valley, California, received a letter from Mrs. Tom Decker, requesting the former to send Marjorie to her. A volunteer is called for to risk his life in escorting the four-year-old child across the sandy plain. John Hartley steps forward and promises to protect the child with his life. That day, Bill Barratt, an outlaw, is arrested and lodged in jail for the murder of Jim Ellis’ child. That night, the sheriff is informed that the men of the village are going to lynch Barratt. Sheriff Mackley handcuffs the prisoner, places him on a horse, and takes him to the desert, for safe keeping. In the meantime, John Hartley’s mule succumbs to the heat. Being out of water he tells Marjorie be will go for some and return shortly. Hearing a child’s cry, Mackley and his prisoner are quick to find the thirsty infant. Mackley returns to his horse, which had been left a few rods away, only to discover that the animal had galloped off. Without water, they are in a hopeless condition. Jim Barratt promises to guard the wagon, they discover the lifeless form of the outlaw, Jim Barratt, who had kept his promise.