Roger Parsons' parents were killed in an arranged accident by a competitor, Braddock and Rodger, and he was left for dead. Professor Paul Parsons had developed a revolutionary gas, and he and his wife were killed for the secret. Roger, however, was saved by an old prospector, Nugget Ned. The boy grew up healthy and strong and well-skilled in all kinds of athletic endeavors, particularly archery. He coated his arrowheads with gold leaf. After Ned died, Roger dealt with Braddock. Then, using his characteristic weapon as a name (since he'd been raised in secret and was therefore unknown to the townspeople), Golden Arrow and his horse, White Wind, embarked on a heroic career.