The Drygulch Gang sends a bogus Johnny Thunder to kidnap schoolteacher John Tane (Johnny's secret identity). Tane is tied to a slingshot-tree: if the rope is shot through, he'll be catapulted to death! Why him? He's bait to lure out Johnny Thunder! Tane tilts his eyeglasses to burn through the rope, is flung into a river, and comes out with guns blazing as - Johnny Thunder! The gang surrenders. "No one kin ever trap Johnny Thunder - no matter what scheme some smart aleck thinks up!"