Mother

Tom Dawson, having written his mother that he has been made ranch foreman, loses his job on account of drink. Not having the heart to tell her of this misfortune, he writes her that he has been elected sheriff. He steals two horses and, suspected, has to flee, pursued by the sheriff and his posse. At this inopportune time his mother decides to visit him. Arriving at the little town, she tells the boys she has come to see her son, the sheriff, and proudly displays his picture. When the sheriff returns they explain the circumstances to him; he pins his badge upon Tom and allows him to masquerade as sheriff until his mother returns to her home. As the train fades away the sheriff's badge is removed and Tom is confined to a cell, while his mother is in happy ignorance of his plight.