Tom, a young physician, searches for success in the rough, early gold-rush days of California. He meets Lacey, a dance hall singer who us engaged to Britt, king-pin in Sacramento politics. Britt resents Lacey’s evident interest in Tom and interferes in Tom’s settling up a business. Tom learns Britt’s wealth comes from forced tribute levied on the ranchers and Tom leads them in a successful revolt. Britt retaliates by planting poison in the tonic Tom prescribes. When a death occurs, Britt incites the crowd to lynch Tom, but he is saved by the news that gold has been discovered at Sutter’s Mill. Lacey follows the rush and finds a terrible epidemic has broken out. She sends for Tom who brings in needed drugs which Britt attempts to steal. But Tom outwits him and Britt is killed by his own brother.