A Frontier Providence
Directed by Otis TurnerBill French, a ranch owner, determines to press his suit with Edna. He goes to where she is drawing water and proposes. Edna refuses and Tom comes up and interferes, and there is a rough and tumble fight, in which Bill gets a bad mauling. Bill is furious. He goes to the village with ugly feelings, and insults an Indian squaw who inadvertently gets into his way. He goes into a saloon and after an altercation with an Indian chief, who wants a drink. Bill throws him out of the saloon. The old man waits for him and accosts him upon his appearance. Young Bear, the chief's son, tries to pacify his father, but the old man, goaded to madness, draws a knife and Bill shoots him. Young Bear, now chief, determines upon vengeance and his followers are eager for war. They set out to exterminate the Pale Faces. Tom sets out to get stock and bids Edna and her parents farewell. The latter start for town in a wagon. Tom reaches the brow of the hill, sees the Indians and dashes back to warn the Lees. The horses attached to their wagon run away and the father is thrown out and sustains a broken leg. They get him back to the cabin and Tom elects to stay and defend the old people, whilst Edna rides for assistance. Tom barricades the doors and windows and the Indians attack. They roll rocks down upon the roof and they crash through into the cabin. Tom picks the Indians off as they come to the opening made. They throw fire brands in, which Mrs. Lee puts out with a pail of water. Young Bear gets impatient and climbs to the roof himself. Tom shoots first and the Indian falls into the room. Tom disarms him and throws him aside. The defenders have held their own and look anxiously for Edna's return with help. Whilst all this has been going on Edna has spurred her horse until the poor beast has gone lame. Bill rides up and gloats over her misfortune. She implores him to let her have his horse in order to get assistance to rescue her people. Bill says he will help her if she will marry him. She retreats. He is adamant. She consents in despair and they ride to a Justice of the Peace and are married in haste. They secure the help of troops and ride in haste to the cabin in time to affect a rescue and to drive off the Indians. Bill announces his marriage and Edna hangs her head, but Young Bear sees his vengeance at hand and creeps up behind Bill, and with a last effort he kills him with a knife thrust. Tom and Edna pass out hand in hand, awed by the terrible retribution.
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