The Cross in the Desert: Sam Higgins, a grocery clerk, sends his invalid wife, her mother, and their baby to Arizona, hoping the desert climate will improve her failing health. The family rents a cottage owned by John Hecker, a stern railroad superintendent. However, they soon find themselves unable to pay the rent. Hecker threatens them with eviction, demanding they pay immediately or leave the premises. Desperate, they write to Sam for help. The film concludes with Sam attempting to secure the funds to save his family from being stranded in the desert.