Strong-willed Kathleen O'Hara, believes in equality of sexes, makes a pact with her sweetheart, Jim Donahue, when they become joint owners of a California gold mine. According to the agreement, Donahue will do the housekeeping while Kathleen runs the mine; the first to call for help loses his share of the mine. When they arrive, they find Morgan, owner of a neighboring mine, working their claim. Failing in his attempts to drive the couple away, then to kill them, Morgan persuades his workers to attack Kathleen. She calls for help, and Jim arrives.