Synopsis
'Fuzzy' Jones (Al 'Fuzzy' St. John) gains the reputation of a prophet in Showdown Flats when he is able to forecast events which later take place. 'Fuzzy's' ability to make predictions stems from a mysterious voice which offers him advice. 'Fuzzy' believes the voice is that of a dead Indian Chief. In reality, however, it is the mortal voice of Joe Dayton... a sharp operator, who with Nord Finner... and Ralph Emory... is planning to take advantage of 'Fuzzy's' gullibility to swindle the townsmen out of a fortune. When 'Fuzzy' is properly built up, Dayton tells him that there is a valuable gold mine at the foot of a nearby mountain. 'Fuzzy' follows directions, finds gold nuggets, and prepares to stake a claim on the property. However, just as 'Fuzzy' is ready to drive in the stake, Finner arrives and claims to be the owner, but offers to sell for $50,000. Puzzled, 'Fuzzy' returns and goes into consultation with his advising voice. He is advised... to raise the money among the townsmen and buy the property. Delighted, 'Fuzzy' agrees and wants to send for his pal Billy Carson (Buster Crabbe) to share in the deal. Dayton protests sending for Carson and unable to dissuade 'Fuzzy' he plans to ambush Billy. Billy arrives safely at 'Fuzzy's' ranch--but leaves in disgust when 'Fuzzy' refuses to confide in him. In town, Billy meets Henry Reed... and Kitty... his daughter. Reed is drawing money from the bank to invest in 'Fuzzy's' deal. When Reed takes the money to 'Fuzzy's' shack, he accidently discovers the piping arrangements over which Dayton talks. Furious at being discovered, Dayton kills Reed. When 'Fuzzy' collects the money from the other townsmen, Finner comes in, hands over the deed and takes the cash before 'Fuzzy' has a chance to think. Joined by his confederates, Finner rides for the border. Billy, who has forced the plan from Emory, arrives soon after Finner leaves, and he and 'Fuzzy' are now joined by the sheriff... and ride in pursuit of the fleeing crooks. After a desperate chase, the swindlers are overtaken and brought back to town. The townsmen are delighted to hear that their property is now worth three times what they paid for it as the railroad now wants it for a right-of-way. (publicity release)