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Based on a novel, Lin McLean, by Western writer Owen Wister, this Harry Carey feature was one of John Ford's early directoral efforts. Carey's pictures often added touches of comedy to a Western atmosphere, and in spite of a tragic end, this picture is no exception. Lin McLean (Carey) is a cowboy who falls for Katy, a waitress (Betty Schade). He takes her back to his ranch and everything seems to be going along just fine until her husband shows up. Katy runs off with him, and later on McLean discovers Billy (Roy Clark), the couple's little boy, who has been deserted. McLean adopts the child and then meets Jessie, a decent girl (Molly Malone). They marry but then Katy reappears and causes much domestic turmoil. McLean, however, doesn't want to have anything to do with her, so she finds work at a nearby dance hall, and, despondent over the end of her romance, swallows poison. Little Billy, meanwhile, helps McLean and Jessie see the error of their ways.