Unconquered Bandit

Just north of the Mexican border, Tom Morgan comes to the aid of small-time rancher Gasparo and helps him to reclaim cattle stolen by thugs of powerful rancher Frank Cleyburn. Later, Gasparo confides to Tom and his father, who are traveling to their own ranch just south of the border, that Cleyburn wants to chase him and other settlers from their land in order to take control of a newly discovered gold mine. Mr. Morgan is sympathetic to Gasparo's plight and offers to buy a half-interest in the gold mine in order to assure its protection by the Mexican government. That night, while Tom attends a fiesta hosted by Gasparo, Mr. Morgan goes off to inspect the gold mine. At the same time, Helen, Cleyburn's niece, stops at Gasparo's home for directions and is invited to the party. Unaware of her uncle's illegal activities, Helen, who has just arrived from the East, speaks fondly of him to Tom, who, out of politeness, says nothing to destroy her illusions. Later, however, a fight instigated by Cleyburn's men, who have been ordered by Cleyburn to run Gasparo and his neighbors off their land, results in the murder of Mr. Morgan. Overcome by grief, Tom swears revenge on Cleyburn and devises a plan whereby he will impersonate an infamous local bandit named "Night Hawk," rob Cleyburn repeatedly, make Helen fall in love with him as Tom, marry her, and then reveal himself as the thief, thereby causing Cleyburn extreme humiliation and heartache. To achieve his goals, Tom arranges to meet with the real Night Hawk in his hideout and offers him a generous amount of money for the privilege of impersonating him. Tom then begins to rob Cleyburn while disguised as Night Hawk and gives his "earnings" to the impoverished locals. To his surprise, however, Tom falls in love with Helen and, after a point, realizes he can no longer go on with his revenge. He confesses all to a loving, sympathetic Helen and then tells Night Hawk that, after the next planned robbery, his impersonation will end. To get the $5,000 reward that has been posted for his capture, Night Hawk double-crosses Tom and informs Cleyburn how he can catch the bandit red-handed. Tom is caught stealing Cleyburn's cattle and is about to be arrested when Helen reveals to her uncle the reasons behind Tom's actions. Sobered by his niece's words, Cleyburn, who was unaware of Mr. Morgan's murder, confesses to his own greed and vows to make amends. He then arranges for Night Hawk to be arrested while collecting the reward money and, though shot in the struggle, blesses Helen's impending marriage to Tom.