The Devil Dodger (1917)

Snowstorm, Arizona, was Silent Scott's town, and among the activities of his dance-hall was Fluffy, a little dancer from waifdom, whom he favored and protected. Morals were not discussed in Snowstorm, before the "Devil Dodger" came. The Rev. Roger Ingraham, an ascetic, sought health in the west, and after a few spiritual observations, decided to check the downward speed of the town. His sign announcing Sunday services was shot down. But Fluffy was curious, and church was a novelty demanding inspection. Silent Scott resented her interest in religion, broke into the services, and ordered her home. The young minister walked into his glare of hatred and seized his arm. The die was cast. When Scott warned the people to "Keep away from that devil dodger," the minister realized the odds against him and became reckless in his discouragement. He provoked a quarrel with Scott (noted for his quick gunplay), but as the latter drew, Fluffy stepped between them. A game of cards decided that the "Devil Dodger" should live. Fluffy took him to her cabin and nursed him back to health. Love grew naturally. Jealous of his treasure, Scott came to kill, but hearing a prayer for Fluffy's salvation, surrendered to his better self and departed. Hearing that his bitterest enemy was in town, looking for trouble, he went after him, true to his reputation. Fluffy was torn by two loves. The minister realized that his claim was secondary and that she could not stand the test of Scott's death. So he interfered with the feudists and was killed. The man and girl started across the mountains seeking a new and better life.