When Tessa Alvarado (Tessie Santiago) learns of her father's death in California in a fall from his horse, she abandons her life in Spain and returns to her birthplace. She quickly learns all is not well. Her father's servant, Carlos, has turned to robbery and been arrested, the house is in disrepair and in arrears on taxes and a military dictator has set himself up as the law.

Although she attempts to save the servant's life, her request to Colonel Montoya (Valentine Pelka) is ignored, in spite of the cooperative words of Montoya. The man is shot by firing squad even as Montoya entertains guests.

With the encouragement of Montoya, Capt. Grisham (Anthony Lempke) attempts to court Tessa with an elegant luncheon by the sea, and as they return to town, Carlos' son is caught and arrested for trying to spend a gold piece that Tessa gave his mother. In spite of Tessa's intervention, the boy is to be punished.

Sparked by rumors that her father's death was not an accident and her failure to he