Plot:

The movie commences with Judge Brand and his secretary, Tom Reeves, lounging in their office. The Judge reflects on his past in the Old West, recounting the Gold Rush era where he and his partner, Adams, both fell in love with a woman. Adams eventually won her over, and they married, but tragedy struck as Adams' wife left him, taking their child with her. Despite the heartbreak, Brand and Adams struck it rich later on. Brand urges Tom to venture out west to repopulate Nugget Notch, the town they once inhabited, both to relive their past and possibly find Adams' long-lost child and heir to his fortune.

Tom initially struggles to find suitable inhabitants for Nugget Notch but eventually discovers an Old West-themed exposition troupe run by J. Gordon Castle. Among them is Peggy Babbot, watched by the mysterious Mr. Jim Rayner. Tom proposes Brand's idea to Castle, who agrees. On the journey to Nugget Notch, Rayner threatens Peggy's father, Pa Babbot, to keep Tom away from her. Tom writes to Judge Brand about the progress but expresses concern about Rayner.

Upon arriving in Nugget Notch, the troupe begins the town's renovation. When Judge Brand arrives, he notices the townsfolk aren't as rough as the authentic 49ers but settles in. Rayner learns about Brand's quest to find Adams' heir and takes an interest. During a banquet, Brand recognizes Peggy's necklace, revealing her as Adams' daughter, Lorena. After the banquet, Peggy informs Tom and the Judge about Rayner threatening Pa Babbot.

Late at night, Rayner kidnaps and blindfolds Tom, lowering him into a rock formation. However, Tom is led out by a friendly wolf, revealing gold in the rocks. The men set up a claim, but the next day, Rayner steals everything from the town. Brand and Tom ambush Rayner, capturing him using a rope.

Rayner is put on trial, revealing his dark past. During the proceedings, he escapes, shooting Tom in the process. Despite the setback, he is recaptured. The film concludes with Judge Brand, Tom, and Peggy happily sitting together, bringing closure to the tumultuous events in Nugget Notch.

Directed by: Ruth Ann Baldwin
Written by: William Wallace Cook (story), Ruth Ann Baldwin
Starring Joseph W. Girard, Leo Pierson, William J. Dyer
Cinematography: Stephen S. Norton
Production company: Universal Pictures
Distributed by: Universal Pictures
Release date: October 15, 1917
Running time: 62 minutes
Country: United States
Languages: Silent
English intertitles