The Proud Rebel

A former Confederate soldier John Chandler arrives in an Illinois town with his 10-year-old son, David, who has been mute since witnessing his mother's death when Union soldiers burned their homestead. Dr. Enos Davis recommends an operation by a doctor in Minnesota to try to restore David's speech.

In the street outside Dr. Davis' office, Chandler orders his expert sheepdog Lance to clear a flock blocked by rancher Harry Burleigh and his sons. A scuffle ensues as Burleigh's men attempt to steal the sheep, and a passing Linnett Moore steps in to keep David safe.

Harry Burleigh knocks Chandler out and douses him with whiskey, prompting the sheriff to arrest him for assault. Chandler faces a choice: pay a $30 fine or serve 30 days in jail.

Linnett intervenes and offers to cover the fine if Chandler can work off the debt on her farm, proposing a temporary release from jail. Chandler initially resists, but her decency and help win him over.

Chandler learns Burleigh is pressuring Linnett to sell her land, jeopardizing her ability to move the sheep to pasture and access the railroad. The pressure deepens the tension between Burleigh and the pair, while Chandler and Linnett grow closer despite his resolve to stay aloof.

A journey to Minnesota for medical treatment is proposed, and the trip is expensive. Chandler refuses to sell Lance at first because David loves the dog and cannot bear to part with him.

Ultimately Chandler decides to sell Lance to finance the operation and asks Linnett to accompany David to Minnesota while he harvests Linnett's crops and rebuilds the burned barn. This plan marks a turning point, as he sacrifices the dog he values for his son's chance at healing.

The operation does not succeed; upon returning home, David is devastated to find Lance gone. The Burleighs have acquired the dog to use as leverage against Chandler and Linnett.

Chandler goes to the Burleigh farm to buy back the dog, and Harry offers it as a gift, but reveals his real plan: he has instructed his two sons to help murder Chandler, pretending he is a thief.

David arrives just as gunshots erupt, warning his father of danger. Chandler turns and shoots one Burleigh son first, then Burleigh himself; the remaining son lowers his rifle instead of firing.

Chandler walks with David and Lance back to Linnett's farm, leading his horse as they begin to heal. With David starting to re-learn how to speak, a tentative future begins for the small family.

The family finds a sense of belonging on Linnett's land as the immediate threats fade. David continues his journey toward speech while Lance remains by their side, signaling a fragile but hopeful new beginning.