The Secret Lode

Jeff Fulton jealous and bitter because his partner John Acton’s daughter Mary loves their neighboring claim holder, Dick Carew schemes to eliminate both men by fabricating a land dispute between them. Not satisfied with the result Fulton forges a challenge and sets up a duel in Buzzard Gulch for the men. Fulton ambushes Acton, wounding him. Carew arrives later, and after a staged exchange of gunfire with Fulton, is led to believe he has killed Acton. Fulton alerts the sheriff, leading to Carew's arrest based on circumstantial evidence. Mary uncovers the forged challenge, revealing Fulton's plot. Fulton is tricked into confessing his guilt, arrested, and sent to prison. Carew is freed, reuniting with Mary.

• lost film