The Lost Trail — Paul Lederer

After two years in jail, a cowboy searches for his sweetheart

It's bold for a cowhand to woo his boss's daughter, but John Tanner can't help loving Becky Canasta. Their courtship is upended by Matt Doyle, a spurned admirer who considers Becky to be his property -- and is willing to kill to keep it that way. He is about to have his revenge when Becky draws a small pistol and shoots him through the heart. To save her from the gallows, John takes the blame. He receives only two years in prison for his gallantry. Once freed, he returns to the ranch to see if he still holds Becky's favor, but the place is ransacked -- and Becky is nowhere to be found.
 
Desperate to save the woman for whom he sacrificed his freedom, John sets off in pursuit of the kidnappers, who are on the trail of a legendary treasure. He must find it first if he ever wants to see Becky alive again.