The Cowboy and the Bandit

A mob enters a New Mexico jail to lynch Bill, a stranger accused of being a horse thief. As the rope is readied, Scarface and his gang ride up and save Bill, explaining to the crowd that they sold Bill the horse he is accused of stealing. Noticing the many different brands on their horses, Bill declines Scarface's invitation to join the gang, and heads across the state line to the Texas panhandle. There, Larkin, a local boss, bribes the foreman of Ma Barton's ranch to persuade her ranch hands to quit over her inability to pay them. Ma Barton's son Bobbie promises to take over, however, and tries to stop rustlers from cutting his fence. Bill happens by and comes to Bobbie's assistance, engaging in a fistfight and saving the cattle. Bill agrees to become the new ranch hand and enjoys the cooking of "Ma" Barton. Thirteen days later, Bill learns that Larkin had encouraged Ma Barton's late husband's penchant for gambling, which led to his death, and gave Larkin a note authorizing him to collect on the ranch. After Bill declines a bribe from Larkin, he meets with Larkin's girl, Alice, who works in the town saloon because of debts. In the saloon, Bill persuades Alice to steal one of the fixed decks of cards so he can adjust it and change the odds. Bobbie, meanwhile, finds Scarface lying injured and alone, and Ma nurses him back to health. Back at the saloon, Bill returns the cards to Alice and proposes marriage to her. Then, despite the dealer's crooked hand, Bill comes up with a straight flush and uses the money to buy Barton's note from Larkin. Bill escapes from Larkin's men in a hail of gunfire, but Charlie Bowen is killed. When the sheriff comes to the ranch to arrest Bill for Charlie's death, Ma warns Bill that he is in Larkin's pay. A gunfight ensues, and Bill escapes out the back while Bobbie covers him. Bill is later captured after he is thrown by his horse, and Larkin orders the sheriff to arrange for his death. When his jail cell door is opened, however, Bill suspects that a trap has been set and stays put. Scarface, now recovered, sends a note via Bobbie to Luke Short and his gang to rescue Bill. Larkin's henchman, Joe, incites a lynch mob against Bill and intimidates all dissenters. Alice, who has fallen in love with Bill, warns him and helps him to escape through the jail's skylight, but they are captured as they climb down the roof. When Joe takes Alice and Bill to Larkin's office, a fight erupts. Larkin's men surround the saloon and a gunfight ensues, which starts a fire. After Luke and his men ride to Bill and Alice's rescue, Bill sees that Larkin has been killed.