The story
The proprietor of a hotel in a little California town sent his motherless daughter to a boarding school, being determined that she should have every advantage he could afford. He did not regret it, for when she returned she had no foolish notions, but settled down and aided him in his work. When he had difficulty in securing help, the girl insisted upon taking charge of the dining room, and the old man confided to his chums that she was the best headwaitress he ever had. The girl was fond of horseback riding and enjoyed dashes along the country roads. On one occasion, however, she nearly came to grief, for her nag ran away. A gallant cowboy came to her rescue, overtook the frightened animal, and prevented any harm coming to the young woman. Naturally a friendship sprang up between the two, for each saw much in the other to respect and admire.
In that section of the country there is annually held what is called a ‘Rodeo,’ a contest of horsemanship, with all sorts of Wild West features. The cowboy was a dashing rider, and on the day of the entertainment told the girl he was absolutely sure to win the prize. Their conversation took place in the dining room of the hotel, and as he passed out she noticed two incoming guests who seemed to take much furtive interest in the young man. She watched them narrowly, learned enough to arouse her suspicions and, obeying a sudden impulse, followed them when they left the hotel. From a place of hiding she learned that they were gamblers, who bet heavily against her cowboy, and to insure winning their wagers had planned to cripple the horse just before the race started. The girl determined to warn the young man, rode all alone to the arena, and was in time to foil the plotters. Her cowboy won the prize, but on the way home he won something he valued far more, the hand and heart of the girl who had proven her quick wit in the hour of need.
Summary from The Moving Picture World · 22 March 1913
