Learning that gold has been discovered upon land owned by the Hopi Indians. Challen, a trader, endeavors to secure a grant from Awatobi the chief. The latter refuses Challen's offer. The trader determines to use Tanoa, the chief's daughter, to further his plans. Challen induces Tanoa to elope with him and imprisons her in the cellar of his cabin. Awatobi, who pursues , is also trapped by the trader, who threatens him with death unless he signs away his land. Joan, a settler's daughter, comes to the rescue just as Awatobi is about to die of strangulation. The girl cleverly outwits the trader and releases father and daughter. In her desire for revenge Tanoa lights a fuse leading to a barrel of powder. The three then make their escape leaving Challen behind in a drunken stupor. A terrific explosion destroys the cabin, and Challen meets a fearful fate.
