With Hoops of Steel (1918)

Tommy and Nick, independent ranchers who have joined with Emerson Mead in fighting Col. Whittaker's corrupt Fillmore Cattle Company, vow to stay by their friend when he is accused of murdering Will Whittaker, the colonel's missing son. To escape arrest, Emerson leaves town but returns upon learning that the woman he loves, Marguerite Delarue, is engaged to Albert Wellesley. Emerson is arrested immediately, but on the day of his trial, Marguerite's baby brother Paul is reported missing. When Tommy and Nick offer themselves to the sheriff as hostages, the judge allows Emerson to search for the child. After locating the boy, Emerson discovers that young Whittaker is not dead but only hiding from his father to conceal his secret marriage to Amanda Garcia. His name cleared, Emerson returns as a hero in the eyes of the townspeople, which deeply impresses the grateful Marguerite.