The Foot Print Clue
Directed by J.P. McGowanStrong saves Harry from the Indians. Harry becomes a member of the Strong family. He falls in love with Laura, his benefactor's daughter. The boy's admiration for Strong causes him to imitate the man's dress. Harry learns that the heels of the ranch owner's boots are fastened by brass-headed nails arranged in star-shaped design. He promptly places the design on his own heels. Harry visits Dillon, a saloon keeper. The man is placing money in a bag when the boy calls. Shortly afterward, Harry leaves, still holding the money bag. Dillon picks up his pistol. The weapon accidentally goes off. The man staggers back. His hand hangs over a well behind him. As Dillon falls, the money and pistol fall into the well. The heel marks of the footprints near the body cause the sheriff to arrest Strong as the murderer. A mob takes Strong away from the officers. Laura pleads for her father's life. Harry learns of his benefactor's peril. Hearing that the men intend to hang Strong on the evidence of the heel marks, the boy shows that his heels bear the same design and declares he has committed the murder. A hostler discovers the pistol and money in the well. He makes his discovery known to the sheriff, who dashes away to the rescue. Harry is just about to be hung when the sheriff arrives. The pistol is known to have belonged to Dillon. Further evidence reveals that the man was accidentally shot by his own weapon. Harry is freed. Laura comes into his arms, while Strong expresses his gratitude for the boy's noble act.
