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- Paul is a European. He served in the army in the Great War. He emigrated to the USA. One day he returns to Europe and talks of freedom and liberty. The authorities (Nazi, but unnamed) come down on him. It is their duty to spread racism and religious hatred. Paul gives the speech of a lifetime set against an epic series of films spread across the history of mankind.
- Country girl Katusha is seduced and abandoned by Prince Nekludov who, years later, finds himself on a jury trying the same Katusha for a crime to which he now realizes that his actions drove her. He follows her to imprisonment in Siberia, intent on redeeming her and himself as well.
- While traveling to Nome, Alaska, Roy Glenister (Gary Cooper) meets beautiful Helen Chester (Kay Johnson), who soon becomes his sweetheart. Glenister is one of several owners of a lucrative mine called The Midas. When he arrives in Nome, he discovers that his partners, Slapjack Simms (Slim Summerville) and Joe Dextry (James Kirkwood), are in the middle of a legal dispute with three corrupt officials: United States Marshal Voorhees (Jack Holmes), Judge Stillman (Lloyd Ingraham), and a politician named Alec McNamara (William "Stage" Boyd ). They have been engaged in a racket claiming titles to various mines, ejecting the miners, and then making McNamara owner of the disputed properties. The three corrupt officials lay claim to The Midas. McNamara also steals money from Glenister, Dextry, and Slapjack, preventing them from enlisting legal help from the United States. When Dextry and Glenister plan a vigilante action, McNamara calls in a detail of soldiers to protect "his property". As Glenister and McNamara prepare for a gunfight, they are dissuaded by Helen, who suggests that the courts handle the dispute. Later, after jealous saloon owner Cherry Malotte (Betty Compson) lies to Glennister telling him that Helen and McNamara are conspiring to cheat him again, Glennister and McNamara settle their differences with a spectacular fistfight, with McNamara getting the worst. Afterwards, Glenister wins the hand of Helen.
- In Acadia, now part of the Canadian province of Nova Scotia, young Evangeline is betrothed to Gabriel. But before their wedding can take place, the British imprison the men and send them into exile with their lands forfeit to the Crown. Evangeline follows the exiled men in hopes of finding her beloved, but even after he and the other Acadians are released in Louisiana, she cannot find him, always arriving at some locale just after he has departed. But she dedicates her life to searching the continent for the man she loves.
- Rascha, the wild daughter of Costa, the Gypsy bear tamer, swears revenge on Jorga, her father's enemy, when he cuts off her braids (a sign of disgrace among the Gypsies). Jorga later repents of his cruel act and cuts off the braids of all the other Gypsy women, returning Rascha's braids to her while she is sleeping. Rascha awakens and beats Jorga with a whip, exciting him to stifle her cries with his hot, passionate lips. Jorga later kidnaps Rascha and takes her to a mountain cave, where he sets out to tame her. Rascha comes to love Jorga and later helps him to elude the vengeance of her irate father.
- After refusing to marry her adopted brother, a half Native-American Mexican woman flees to marry a Native man.
- A 7-part series exploring all aspects of Hollywood.
- Prince Dimitri comes from St. Petersburg to spend the summer in a rural district and falls in love with Katusha, an orphaned peasant girl who works for his relatives. Later, en route to the Turkish-Russian front, Dimitri's regiment bivouacs near the village, and Katusha secretly yields to his passion. Her condition soon arouses the suspicions of her aunt, and she is sent from the home in disgrace. Bereft by the death of her infant, Katusha is eventually reduced to surviving as a prostitute, and finds herself imprisoned on a charge of poisoning and robbing a merchant. Dimitri, summoned to the jury at her trial, feels his responsibility and agrees to marry her. Although innocent of the crime, Katusha is banished to Siberia. Their old love is rekindled, but she refuses to become his wife and bears her exile alone.
- Richard Castleman, master of Winnecrest Hall in Louisiana, goes on a sea voyage recommended by his cousin and physician, Harry Chilton, who thereupon begins romancing Castleman's fiancée, Jeanne Lamont. When word arrives of Castleman's death, Chilton prepares to usurp the fortune and property of the dead man. Danny Rowland, who is found wounded by two wandering crooks, Dominie and The Squirrel, opportunely arrives at the estate seeking food and rest; and because of his resemblance to Castleman, he is welcomed as the master. Dominie is introduced as an English cleric and The Squirrel as an Italian count, while Danny falls in love with Jeanne, who believes him to be her fiancé. Chilton, however, suspects the trio and finally unmasks them. It then develops that Danny actually is Castleman, who had decided to reform the two men who befriended him and to expose the dishonesty of his cousin.
- Julian Perryam gets thrown out of Oxford University and returns to the family estate outside of London. He discovers that his sister and his mother are caught up in the "jazz" life and their father, who's the editor of a tabloid scandal rag, is too busy to notice. He also discovers that his sister is in love with the scoundrel son of his father's publisher, Victor Buckland. Learning that Buckland is actually an embezzler, Julian gets a job as a reporter on a muckraking publication and sets out to expose Buckland.
- Joanna Manners is a flapper with a million-dollar figure, million-dollar looks, and a million dollars in cash. She falls in love with John Wilmore, a guy who hasn't got a dime nor a pot to put it in if he had a dime. There are those who object. Especially the crowd of gold-digging gigolos and hustlers she knows.
- An oil tanker burns at sea, and Molla Hansen, the captain's daughter, is the only survivor. Her rescuer, lighthouse-keeper Silas Martin, is fatally burned, and begs Molla to look after his daughter, Pearl. Meanwhile, Captain Rodney O'Malley, Molla's grief-stricken fiancé, departs on a long cruise. Two years later, Pearl is seduced by rum-runner Charley Watts, although she blames engineer Ira Meers. Molla learns of Pearl's pregnancy and holds Ira at gunpoint in the lighthouse. When Pearl discovers that Charley is already married, she locks him in the lighthouse tower, floods it with gas, and hurls a lighted lantern at him. Pearl and Charley are killed, but Ira recovers. The explosion signals Rod's ship, and he and Molla are reunited.
- When Fay Kennion finds her fiancé, Horace Pierpont, in an innocent but apparently compromising situation with another woman, she breaks their engagement and marries instead Alan Mortimer, a weak and alcoholic physician practicing in Algeria. Pierpont later goes on a safari and persuades Fay and the doctor to accompany him as his guests. Despite genuine attempts to remain apart, Pierpont and Fay find themselves together more and more, and Mortimer eventually discovers them in a passionate embrace. Pierpont is later bitten by a snake, and Mortimer alone can save him. Mortimer at first refuses, but Fay, deeply in love with Pierpont, feigns love for her own husband and promises to return with him to Algeria if he will help Pierpont. Mortimer finally agrees and tends the other's wounds, saving Pierpont's life. On the trip back, the caravan is attacked by bandits; Mortimer is killed; and Fay and Pierpont are free to find happiness together.
- A small town boy steals for the sake of running away with a visiting society woman's daughter. His shocked mother is determined to stop him.
- John Morton, director of the fashionable parish of St. Andrews, resigns his wealthy charge to open a mission in the Limehouse district of London. His uncle, dying, leaves penniless his mistress, Mary Carlson, who determines to go to London and land the millions which she feels should have been hers through marriage to Morton. In this enterprise she succeeds with the ease of the practiced siren, but she tires of the life when she finds that Morton is sincere in his determination to put all of his money into welfare work. A night out with Morton's secretary brings matters to a crux, but he forgives her escapades, only to discover immediately after her identity as his uncle's enslaver. The second blow is too much for him. He lets her go her way. Later he realizes his powerful love for her. He fails in his mission since his hearers feel there is too much preaching and too little personal gain, and they are rushing him into the river when he is rescued by the police. He signs away the last of his money, believing that it has cost him his influence with his people, but he retains his ministry and eventually Mary comes back. She is miraculously revived after being declared dead, and the story ends on this dramatic moment.
- As a boy, Raoul is reared by an Arab tribe. Years later, as a refined Europeanized gentleman, he falls in love with Barbara, an officer's daughter, who rejects him when she discovers his background. Affecting a raid, he captures her and then secretly buys her at a slave auction. When she is rescued by French troops, however, his ancestry is established and they find happiness together.
- Infamous Mexican bandit Pancho López recognizes Gilbert Jones as the man who once saved his life; therefore, when Jones is in danger of losing his ranch for default of mortgage payment, López determines to help him. At the same time, Morgan Pell, intending to cheat Jones out of his potentially oil-rich property, offers him a sum of money, which Jones conditionally accepts. When López discovers that Jones and Mrs. Pell are in love he has Pell shot, then robs a local bank, pays the mortgage, and returns the cattle he has stolen. With Mr. Pell out of the way and the ranch secure, Jones and Mrs. Pell are free to marry.
- The Girl, owner of the Polka Saloon, falls in love with Ramerrez, whom she later discovers to be a bandit. When a snowstorm forces Ramerrez to stay the night with The Girl, jealousy drives dancer Nina Micheltorena to reveal his identity and whereabouts to Sheriff Jack Rance, who also loves The Girl. She denies Ramerrez's presence, the bandit is shot when he tries to escape, and she once again shelters him. This time, drops of blood prove The Girl wrong, but she wins Ramerrez's and her own freedom in a poker game with the sheriff. Stirred by Nina, vigilantes are about to lynch Ramerrez when the sheriff interferes, explains his bargain, and restores him to The Girl.
- Blind violinist Rose Duncan unknowingly falls in with a gang of crooks who use her as a decoy. Under her influence they all--especially Jimmy Harrison--resolve to go straight but decide to pull one more job so that Rose may have surgery. Jimmy is caught and goes to prison while Rose, now cured, successfully pursues her musical career. On the night of her debut Jimmy is released and reunited with Rose.
- Royal Mounted Policeman Robert Fitzgerald, rescues Joan Cameron from the evil clutches of dance-hall owner Fu Chang, but she falls in love with Tom, Robert's brother, who is carrying on an affair with another officer's wife. Discovered by the husband, Tom apparently kills him; and Bob, believing himself to be dying and that Joan loves Tom, assumes responsibility for the crime and signs a confession. Although Bob recovers, his brother announces his death. When Bob reappears, Tom arrests him; and Bob is about to be lynched when Joan forces a confession from the widow of the slain officer. Tom commits suicide, and Joan realizes her love for Bob.
- When John Webb dies, his wife, Anna, and his children--John, Harry, and Ruth--are well provided for, thanks to his patent on an improved sewing machine. As time passes, however, Harry mismanages and overspends factory funds, John leaves town accused of stealing the money embezzled by Harry, and Ruth elopes. Anna must sell the business to cover Harry's debts, and, reduced to poverty, she takes a menial factory job. Later, her story appears in a magazine and the family is happily reunited.
- Bill Shannon, an engineer in charge of a dam project in the Sierras, is offered a bribe to sell out to Morse, a Wall Street promoter who wants the dam site for his new railroad. Unable to succeed, Morse arrives at the site with his fiancée, Anne Wilmot, and his sister. There Shannon rescues Anne from a swift mountain stream, and she ultimately wins his affection and adopts his position on the dam controversy. Failing to buy off Shannon, Morse conspires with Charles Burkthaler, a rancher, to dynamite the dam. Overhearing the plot, Anne goes to warn Shannon; but he leaves when he hears her cajoling Morse, who has become jealous of his attentions. Anne discovers the men wiring the explosives, but in severing the wire leading to the dam she is buried beneath rubble from the explosion; following a fight, Shannon settles accounts with Burkthaler and Morse, and Anne is rescued by his men.
- After the death of her benefactress, Mrs. Beresford, Alice Lambert is evicted by Ruth, Mrs. Beresford's jealous niece; and in despair Alice seeks employment as a model. Her refusal to accept the attentions of Monsieur Armand ends in her dismissal, and as an artist's model she has a similarly unpleasant experience with Grant Lewis, from whom she seeks refuge in the studio of sculptor David Leighton. She later attempts suicide but is forestalled by Leighton, who proposes that she insure her life for $35,000 (a portion of which she will receive immediately) and that at the end of 6 months she "accidentally" take her life. She agrees, and Leighton decides to immortalize her hands in a statue and secretly falls in love with her. At a tea given by his aunt, she discovers that her rival is Ruth Beresford and meets Grant Lewis, who slanders her. Alice injures a newsboy, Jerry Dunn, in an accident, and while she is convalescing from the experience Leighton declares his love for her.
- Sylvia Langdon is haunted by the memory of a would be rapist, whom she believes she has killed.
- Julie Leneau, a country schoolteacher in Canada, becomes the bride of Geoffrey Arnold, but her happiness is shattered by a woman named Claire who convinces Julie that she is Arnold's lawful wife. Julie flees and nearly perishes in a blizzard before she is found by government official Hubert Randolph, with whom she is snowbound and whom she later accepts in marriage so as to give an honorable name to her child. In Jamaica he rises in a government post, and Julie's baby is accepted as his own. When Geoffrey visits Randolph, her former love is rekindled, and during a tropical storm in which Geoffrey is injured she discovers that he has not been unfaithful. Learning the truth, Randolph surrenders his wife and her child to Geoffrey.
- Young Annesley Grayle, weary of a gloomy, uneventful existence with her aunt, accepts the proposal of a young American that she pose as his wife. Later, they are actually married. When, at a ball, she hears her husband accused of stealing a valuable diamond and realizes that he is indeed a thief, she hides the jewel to save him. She plans to report him to the police, but, seeing that he intends to reform, she remains with him and saves him from being shot by a jealous countess.
- Irene Fletcher, the pampered daughter of a Long Island millionaire on the brink of bankruptcy, has two suitors - struggling architect John Marshall, and wealthy clothing designer Charles Munson. Scorning her father's plea for her to curb her passion for beautiful clothes and live more modestly, she trips and is knocked unconscious. In a dream, Irene's father goes to Munson for financial assistance and Munson agrees, in exchange for her father agreeing to try to influence Irene to marry him. When it is announced at Irene's birthday party that she and Marshall have secretly married, Munson refuses to lend the money to Irene's father, who then kills himself with a pistol. After a series of tragic events, Irene awakens, and decides to marry Marshall.
- In retaliation for an attack on his wife Isobel, Scottie Dean, a passenger on a whaling ship, throws Captain Jim Blake overboard and, believing that he is responsible for the captain's death, flees to the North Woods for safety. Assigned to track Dean down, Sergeant William MacVeigh is closing in on his prey when he meets Isobel drawing a sled that allegedly contains her husband's coffin and, taken by her beauty, he inadvertently allows the couple to escape. An enemy of MacVeigh's, Corporal Bucky Smith, insists that the Sergeant has violated his oath and vows to get Dean himself, forcing MacVeigh to arrest Dean to save Isobel. After he disposes of the Corporal, MacVeigh allows Dean to escape, but later Dean appears at MacVeigh's cabin begging for help for his wife, who is ill in a distant hut. Learning that Blake is not dead, Dean dies and MacVeigh, who is still in love with Isobel, goes to her. Delirious with brain fever, however, she drives him away, accusing him of killing her husband. Years later, after receiving a letter informing him that Isobel has died, MacVeigh travels to Montreal to visit her daughter and there discovers that the woman he loves is alive, and the pair are happily reunited at last.
- Felipe Lopez hates all "gringos" even though his wife Alice is an American. One day, he takes his young daughter, Maria, and crosses the Mexican border, leaving Alice and their adopted son, Danny O'Neil, behind. Years later Maria is now a rebel fighting with her father against the Mexican government while Danny has become a member of the Texas Rangers. While fleeing across the river from her father's enemies, Maria meets Danny and, failing to recognize her adopted brother, invites him to a dance at her father's hacienda. Danny braves many dangers to attend the ball, where he is captured but escapes with Maria's help. Later, believing that Danny is to blame for the capture of her father, Maria leads an attack on the American town in which the Mexicans are beaten and Maria is made captive. Felipe recognizes Alice, and on his deathbed informs Maria that Danny's foster mother is in fact her own mother. Realizing the folly of her ways and her love for Danny, Maria returns to Mexico to teach the schoolchildren to love their American neighbors. Her penitence thus accomplished, Maria accepts Danny's love.
- Wanda Hubbard lives a life of crime in the city while her mother and sister Lucille lead a peaceful life in a small country town. One day, while robbing the safe of Major Andrew Clark, Wanda and her partner Red Smith are apprehended, but both manage to escape. Wanda flees to her mother's house and Red follows her, later departing for Arizona but pledging to marry Wanda upon his return. Meanwhile, Mrs. Hubbard dies as a result of a fall, confessing on her deathbed to Wanda that Lucille is really the daughter of her brother-in-law, wealthy Major Clark. After the funeral, Wanda determines to substitute herself as Clark's daughter and goes to New York where she is accepted by Clark and his protégé Roger Burney, with whom she falls in love. Later, Lucille comes to New York and wins Roger's love, making Wanda insanely jealous and driving her to destroy the portrait of Clark's dead wife lest her deception be discovered. With Red's reappearance, Wanda's web of deceit begins to untangle when he threatens to expose her. The two struggle, Wanda is killed and the wounded Red confesses the truth about Lucille's parents. Clark welcomes his daughter and Lucille wins both a father and a sweetheart.
- Carlotta was brought up in an Italian convent, unaware that she is the illegitimate child of American architect J. Winthrop Drake. When her mother, an Italian opera singer, dies, Drake finally learns of Carlotta's existence and brings her back to New York with him without revealing the truth of their relationship. Drake's wife becomes jealous and throws Carlotta out of the house, but Drake puts her up in an apartment. Because of this living arrangement, Carlotta finds herself at the center of a scandal. Drake suffers a heart attack, but before he dies, he confesses to his wife that Carlotta is his daughter. Some time later, Carlotta becomes a successful pianist and marries Curtis Austin, but blackmailer Crosby Dana revives the old scandal and Curtis shoots and kills him. Curtis' almost-certain conviction is reversed when Carlotta takes the stand and lies that her husband's murderous act was justified because she had been unfaithful to him. Finally Drake's wife reveals that Carlotta is really Drake's daughter, and Carlotta and Curtis are reconciled.
- Jimmy Slocum, whose wealthy father continually pays his speeding fines and loses bets to him, wins a $1,000 bet with his father that Katherine Fowler, whom his father wants him to marry, does not love him. Jimmy then wins a $25,000 bet that he can keep from being arrested more than once in the coming year by getting a 12-month jail sentence for fighting in a bar, then sassing the judge. His father's efforts get him released early and he vows to succeed on his own. He gets stranded in a small town where he falls in love with Ethel Wheeler, the owner of a rundown hotel, and makes a fortune selling mineral water found on her property. When the town banker tries to foreclose on them, Jimmy opens his own bank with the $25,000, marries Ethel, and gains his father's respect of his father for his success.
- Scotsman Sandy MacTavish, living in the small California village of Redwoods, betrothes his baby Madelon, as is the village custom, to wealthy Lot Gordon. When Madelon grows up and falls in love with Lot's cousin Burr, Sandy's sense of honor will not let him release her. After Madelon learns of Burr's betrothal to Dorothy Fair, the village flirt, she stalks out of a dance into the woods, where Lot tries to kiss her. Not knowing who he is, Madelon stabs Lot, and Burr, without Madelon's approval, takes the blame for the crime. When Madelon's pleas for Burr incite the townspeople, she convinces Lot to write a statement absolving his cousin of the crime in return for her hand in marriage when he recovers. After she stops Burr's lynching at the last moment, Madelon is freed from her obligation to Lot when a redwood falls on him just before their wedding night, leaving her and Burr free to marry.
- In an Alaskan mining camp, James Leyburn runs off with his gold prospecting partner Alexander Hendrie's wife Audrie and son Frank. Caught in a blizzard, James deserts them in order to save his own life. Audrie dies, and the little boy is taken to live with his mother's half sister Monica Norton. A few years later both James and Alexander are wealthy men. Alexander meets and falls in love with Monica, neither aware of the other's identity. After James is financially ruined in the stock market by his former partner, he tells Monica that Alexander abandoned Audrie and Frank in the blizzard. When Alexander hears this bold lie, he confronts James in his office, where Monica secretly observes James' confession of wrongdoing. Alexander and Monica are reunited, and Alexander regains his son.
- When the Great War begins, English sportsman Cyril Hammersley is thought to be a slacker because he refuses to join the army for pacifistic reasons. His American fiancée, Doris Mathers, knows that he is not a coward, but she questions his patriotism when Sir John Rizzio intimates that Hammersly may be a German spy. During a dinner, Doris sees Captain Walter Byfield of the British War Office pass a cigarette paper packet to Hammersly. After Doris learns that Byfield was shot for spying, Hammersly confesses that he is an agent of the British Secret Service, and gives Doris the packet to hide. When Hammersly is captured and locked in Rizzio's country home, Rizzio visits Doris and sees the packet slip down her stocking to her ankle. After she retrieves it and he grabs it from her, Doris summons Scotland Yard. Rizzio's house is raided, the German spies are captured, Doris releases Hammersly, and the packet, containing an encoded message with plans to blow up London, is recovered.
- King Rudolph of Rugaria sends his son, Prince Boris, to America to marry into wealth so that the country can recover from its financial difficulties. Rich Mrs. Hanway, eager to have her daughter Althea become a princess, takes her with Boris to Rugaria. Meanwhile, Rupert Danza, a Columbia University student, is told by a mysterious envoy that he is needed in Rugaria to lead a revolution. Although he laughs at first, he follows, when he learns that his sweetheart Althea has gone there. While Rupert's knowledge of democracy inspires the revolutionaries, his sword play enables him to rescue Althea from Boris. After an anarchist wounds the king, Rupert is arrested, but as a firing squad prepares to execute him, Countess Olga reveals that he is really the king's son who was kidnapped as a child and sent to America to absorb democracy for the coming revolution. After Rudolph dies, Rupert declines the crown, but is elected president of the newly-created republic. Althea then becomes his First Lady.
- As Danny Rowland, a tramp, and his partner Dominie, an ex-minister, trudge wearily past the Winnicrest mansion in Tennessee, an old servant called Uncle Alex rushes up to Danny and welcomes him home as his long-lost employer, Richard Castleman. Amused, Danny assumes the role, and he and Dominie are clothed, fed, and generally treated like royalty. The beautiful Jean Logan, who had believed with the rest of the neighborhood that Richard was lost at sea, greets her returning sweetheart with a passionate embrace, and Danny soon falls in love with her. Dr. Harry Chilton, Richard's cousin and rival in love, maintains that Danny is an impostor, but Danny defeats him in a fight and banishes him from the estate. When Danny announces his intention to marry Jean, Dominie is shocked and tells her everything. Forced to confess to the sheriff, "Danny" reveals that he is indeed Richard, earlier robbed of his clothing and money by a crook named Danny Rowland, who died on a voyage to Australia. Relieved, all of the parties--with the exception of the jealous doctor--are reunited.
- Jimmy, a millionaire's son, discovers the family butler is really a German spy.
- After Pamela Martin's fiancé, lawyer Frank Steele, leaves for South America on business, her mother and another suitor, Douglas Martin, trick her into marrying Douglas by telling her that Frank is a thief. Douglas commonly hosts Bacchanalian parties at the couple's home, and after one of these revelries, during which Pamela explained the reason for her marriage to Frank, who had recently returned from South America, her husband in a drunken rage insults and then attempts to embrace her. Pamela reaches for a knife, but at that instant, she faints and awakens to find Douglas dead and herself charged with murder. Through Frank's skillful defense, she is acquitted, and the two again become engaged. On the eve of the wedding, however, Douglas appears in her room, explaining that on the night of his supposed death, he had actually murdered his twin brother Gilbert. Frank rushes into the room, and in his struggle to get away, Douglas falls from the balcony to his death.
- David Langford, a member of the firm of Keegles and Langford, hardware merchants, has a violent quarrel with his partner, and kills him. Ned, Mr. Keegles' son, who has been expelled from college, returns on the night of the murder, and is suspected of the crime. He leaves for the west, where he becomes known as "Dakota." "Texas" Blanca, a Mexican, and John Duncan blacken the name of "Dakota" by unjustly accusing him of cattle stealing. Later, "Dakota" aids a young girl named Sheila during a thunderstorm, and he subsequently learns that she is the daughter of Langford, the murderer of his father. In revenge he forces her to marry him, and then she leaves for the Double R ranch, which her father has purchased. "Dakota" becomes implicated in a number of other diabolical plots, but emerges triumphant, and the climax of the drama shows him and Sheila living happily as man and wife.
- A woman marries a German immigrant in New York, but loses him when her soiled past is revealed. He returns to Germany after the beginning of the First World War, where he becomes a high-ranking officer in the German army. His wife joins the Red Cross and, in a combat hospital, discovers her wounded husband. Her love for both her husband and her country lead her to a great sacrifice.
- A daughter is grief-stricken by the loss of her father. His male friend becomes her guardian, and she is taken to live with the friend's mother. Time passes and romance blossoms in the girl's heart for her guardian. However, a love rival arrives from the city and catches his eye, and the drama unfolds.
- Shortly after arriving in the West, James Van Dyke Moore, an Easterner fleeing from a soured love affair, has his courage tested when "Ace High" Horton, the town bully, threatens to take over the family mine. Forced into battle, the tenderfoot stands his ground against Horton, an act that impresses pretty Mollie Anderson. One day, Robert Forrest arrives from the East with Verda, his bride, who is Moore's former lover. While Forrest is off inspecting his mines, Verda and Horton become lovers and plan an elopement, but upon Forrest's return, Verda informs him that she is leaving town to escape Moore's advances. Because he has vowed not to reveal anything about their past affair, Moore is unable to defend himself. That night, Forrest sees Verda riding away with Horton and shoots him, but Moore is accused and arrested. Through the intervention of Mollie, Moore is released in time to intercept the couple in the desert. After disposing of Horton, Moore returns Verda to the town, whose angry citizens drive her back into the desert, and then proposes to Mollie.
- Sylvia Mason, a mysterious girl, lives in a cabin by herself and sells her bead work to the visitors at a large hotel nearby. At the hotel, Sylvia meets Easterner Henry Hilliard, who falls in love with her, but she refuses to marry him and will not explain her reasons. Thus Henry returns East without learning that Sylvia's father had been murdered by his private secretary Jack Leslie in revenge for her refusal to marry him. One night after Henry's departure, Leslie, now known as the outlaw "The Shadow", breaks into Sylvia's cabin. There is a struggle that leaves Sylvia unconscious, and when she awakens she finds a note claiming that because Leslie has violated her, she must marry him. Meanwhile Henry's mother, horrified that her son wants to marry this strange girl, informs Sylvia that their marriage would destroy him. Sylvia agrees to give up Henry, but he learns her story from Padre Constantine and goes to search for her. Sylvia has gone to Leslie and Henry follows. In the ensuing fight, Henry forces Leslie to admit with his dying breath that he has lied to Sylvia.
- Miriam Monroe and John Conrad are two young scientific workers who, independently of each other, have discovered a chemical called exonite. Miriam discovered it while searching for a cure for cancer, while Conrad used it as a basis for a powerful explosive. When Conrad points out to her that its use could bring about world peace, Miriam works with him to perfect the formula. After Miriam's father, the head of a great corporation, receives news that the country is threatened by war, he and his partner, Albert Bernard, consider exonite for government use but Conrad, still professing peace, refuses to give up his formula for the purposes of war. Miriam, refusing to take no for an answer, steals into the lab to procure the formula, where she finds Bernard, actually a German spy, attempting to obtain the chemical for his government. After a struggle, Bernard is captured by secret service agents, and Conrad agrees to give the formula to his country.
- Corporal Blake is sent to apprehend the murderer of François Breault. All evidence points to Jan Thoreau as the guilty man. Blake arrives at Thoreau's cabin while he is away and is greeted by his wife Marie. Posing as a friend of her husband, Blake learns that Thoreau and Breault had quarreled shortly before the murder. This, together with Breault's dying accusation that Thoreau was his murderer, seems undeniable evidence. Blake, fascinated by Marie, agrees to let Thoreau escape, providing that she become his mistress. After much anguish, she consents. When Thoreau arrives, Blake arrests him, but during the night Marie helps him escape. Blake goes in pursuit. Meanwhile, officers at the post have received the dying confession of Pastamoo that he committed the murder. They hurry to Thoreau's cabin where the chase has led pursuer and pursued around in a circle and back to the cabin. Blake mistakes another officer for Thoreau and fires at him. The officer returns the shot, killing Blake. Thoreau and Marie then learn that they are free from suspicion.
- Unnerved by the superiority of John Cook, the new president of the Securities Company, Wall Street business leader Amos Merrill begins to speculate with the trust funds in his control, ultimately losing all the funds. Amos, faced with discovery and disgrace, lies to his daughter Hope that Cook has ruined him; soon after, Hope meets Cook and conceives a plot for revenge. In the meantime, Cook has protected the frail Merrill from prosecution and paid back his debt after sending him away on a vacation to recover his health. Hope, knowing nothing of this, marries Cook and makes his life unbearable, finally conspiring with his business rival Gerald Hastings to ruin her husband and gain control of his funds. When Amos returns from his vacation, he is stunned at what Hope has done and reveals that his lie has resulted in a terrible mistake. Hope begs forgiveness from Cook and they go West together to begin a new life.
- Big-hearted Prue, living in the slums, and Danny O'Maddigan, a reformed crook, want to buy a birthday cake for Prue's 75-year-old grandmother. They live across the hall from Ellen Rutherford, the destitute widow of Steven Rutherford, Jr., who was disinherited by his father, a wealthy candy manufacturer. Prue, who works at the candy factory, gives Ellen the money that was meant for her grandmother's cake so Ellen will be able to care for her son Bobby. Frustrated over the loss of the money, Danny steals the price of a cake from the factory's safe, leaving the safe's door open in his haste to depart. Danny's former gang arrives and cleans out the safe, and Danny is convicted of the crime and sent to prison for four years. While Danny is in prison, Bobby is struck by his grandfather's car and slightly injured. Stricken with remorse, Mr. Rutherford effects a reconciliation with his daughter-in-law and promises to use his influence to bring about Danny's release from prison.
- Unknown to his daughter Jacqueline, Miles Allen, in the guise of a fisherman, smuggles silk and fur into the country. Customs officer John Lang comes to investigate, and he and Jacqueline quickly fall in love. Ward Jennings, the owner of Miles' boat, also loves her, but Miles refuses to let him marry her, so Ward gets revenge by revealing Miles' smuggling operation to Coast Guard officers, who kill Miles in a struggle at his home. Jacqueline mistakenly blames John for her father's death and goes to Ward for help. She then learns the truth about Ward; they fight on a cliff-top and he falls to his death. John comes to comfort Jacqueline, and they begin making plans for their life together.
- Leaving his wife Rose for a few weeks and eager to do research for his new novel about the elderly, Henry Norman goes to live in a home for the aged, where Blossom, the home's young maid, falls in love with him. When she lets him know how she feels, however, Henry tells her that he has a wife. When his research is over, he returns to her--and discovers that she has eloped with his friend Perry Westley, and that they were both killed by a lightning bolt that struck Perry's car. While Henry recovers from this double shock, Blossom quits her job and finds work at God's Half Acre, an orphanage. While on a picnic with the children, she once again meets Henry, who realizes that he loves Blossom. They marry.
- John Wheeler, a traction magnate, becomes heavily involved and is obliged to sell a large timber tract he owns in the Hudson Bay district. He owns the property jointly with Henri Corteau, and the deed is filed in the office of Magistrate Le Blanc, at Chalet. Bruce Mitchell, a wealthy young man about town, who is infatuated with Lois Wheeler, the madcap daughter of Wheeler, readily agrees to take over the property. In the northland the elder Corteau has died suddenly, and the Magistrate's office, together with the Wheeler-Corteau deed, is destroyed by fire. The Magistrate receives word of the transfer between Wheeler and Mitchell and he sends for Jean Corteau, the son and heir of the late Henri Corteau, and asks him for the deed his father held, telling him he wishes to make a copy of it. When he adds that it is the only copy in existence, Jean walks out, saying he intends to keep the land himself. Meantime Mitchell has pressed his suit for the hand of Lois, and she takes a violent dislike to him. She resents it because he tries to make plain that her father is under obligations to him. Soon afterward Mitchell goes to Wheeler and wants to know why the deed has not arrived. Wheeler hopelessly shows him a letter from the Magistrate, telling of Jean's action. Mitchell threatens to jail Wheeler, accusing him of obtaining money under false pretenses. Lois overhears the threat and also Mitchell's offer to let the matter drop if Lois will marry him. Lois agrees to this proposal providing her father's innocence cannot be proved. Lois goes to the northland and seeks out Jean. He will not see her, saying he will not have any dealings with women. The next day she sets out, dressed in boy's clothes, on a dog sled for Jean's home in the forest. Pierre, a guide, accompanies her. They arrive in sight of Jean's cabin at nightfall, when Pierre attempts to force his attentions upon Lois. She flees and seeks refuge in Jean's cabin, stumbling in his door in a faint. Later, she tells Jean she has become lest from a lumber camp, and asks if she may remain a while with him. He tells her he has always wanted a boy companion and helper, and that since she came like a "wounded snowbird" to his cabin, she may stay. Although Jean is brutal and primitive in many ways Lois soon finds he has a gentle nature. The next day Jean discovers Lois is a girl, when her fair falls out from under her cap. She confesses her identity and he is angry. But he consents to her remaining, and he fetches some of his mother's clothes for her. Her one desire to get the deed is realized when she is dressing and finds the document hidden away behind a small mirror on the wall. That night she urges Jean to drink heavily, hoping to get away. He becomes fascinated with her and tells her he is going to save her father. He reaches for the deed and finds it gone. Her manner betrays Lois, and she confesses having the paper. Meanwhile Mitchell and Wheeler have come north in search of Lois. Pierre tells Mitchell she is living with Jean. In a jealous rage he goes to seek out Lois. He has Wheeler arrested and then sets out for Jean's cabin. Arrived there he sarcastically accuses Lois of a common liaison with Jean. Jean demands that Mitchell apologize. He refuses and they fight. Both are seriously wounded. Mitchell staggers out of the cabin in the snow. Lois, left with the unconscious Jean, decides to steal the deed and leave. On the edge of a cliff Lois sees Mitchell fall to his death. Then a vision of Jean left alone in his helpless condition comes to her. She turns back and joins Jean. She nurses him back to strength and they go to the aid of Wheeler, intending to marry and live in New York. But after they are wed they hearken to the call of the north, and go back to the life where their love was born.
- Before the guests arrive for a party in her apartment, Agnes Lambert, a writer of unsalable fiction, starts revising one of her stories because she realizes that it lacks drama and emotion. Later, she begins a romance with Tom Leighton, but although Tom loves her, he is already engaged to Ruth Beresford, who was recently blinded in an explosion. Aware of the impossibility of their affair, Agnes decides to commit suicide, but when Ruth, whose vision has been restored by an operation, discovers that Tom no longer loves her, she frees him to marry his new sweetheart. Tom goes to Agnes, but arrives too late, and finds her dead. Then, guests knock at Agnes' door, ready for a party, and, having just finished revising a story in which she stars as a woman who commits suicide because she wrongly believes that a love affair has failed, Agnes rises from her typewriter to greet them.
- One day Coventry Petmore leaves his wife and child to go out in the world and fight the social evils of divorce and loveless marriage. Circumstances lead him to the home of Judge Mitchell, where the judge's son, a minister, and his wife Beatrice reside. The minister does not believe in expressing affection to his wife, and Beatrice becomes enamored of her chauffeur Larry Price. Petmore encourages Beatrice to tell the minister that she is running away with Price, then surreptitiously coaches the minister to give a response that Petmore believes will win Beatrice back. The plan backfires, however, and only a rainstorm and car trouble prevent Beatrice and Price from running off. Getting wind of Petmore's role in the affair, the judge has him ejected from the household, and Petmore returns home to discover that his wife has run away with her chauffeur. Petmore's conviction in his theories remains unshaken, however.
- In the House of Tears, there lived Robert Collingwood, his wife, Alice Collingwood, and their baby girl, Gail. In the courts Robert has been granted a decree of divorce and the custody of little Gail, upon evidence that Mrs. Collingwood has been found in a compromising situation with Henry Thorne, and her subsequent admissions. Once free, Mrs. Collingwood openly accepts the attention of Thorne, and they soon marry and go west to live. Thorne takes up the life of a prospector in a mining community, and his consistent failure proves a source of discouragement to him and unhappiness to the woman. Collingwood, his mind upset by domestic troubles, loses his fortune in Wall Street manipulation, and becomes a raving maniac. He drives his employees out of the office, and then goes to his home intending to kill his little daughter. In a chase up a staircase, he falls and is killed. An annuity he had settled on the baby when she was born, and which has been saved from the financial wreck, is the means of her education. Fifteen years later Thorne, who has been plodding along in the west, meeting with little success, wins $15,000 at faro in a desperate plunge one night. He has become tired of the woman he won by intrigue and his sudden prosperity turns his head. He arranges to go back to Wall Street to flirt with fortune, and he tells his wife he will not take her along, but will leave enough money for her to live on. She is horrified at the prospects of his desertion, and at the point of a revolver, demands his money. In a struggle which ensues, she is seriously wounded. Thorne leaves, believing his wife dead by the shot from her own hand. Back in Wall Street, Thorne electrifies other operators by his phenomenal rise to affluence, and he becomes the elegant man of wealth he aspired to be. Gail Collingwood, who has now grown to womanhood, is known under the name of Alice Gail, and employed as a reporter on the Evening News. She is sent to interview Thorne, who is now known as "Edward North." They become very friendly and their acquaintance soon ripens into love. In due time their betrothal is announced. Out in the mining town Thorne's wife has recovered, and she resolves to come back to the scenes of her youth. She is seeking Thorne in the great city, when Gail, who is riding in an automobile loaned her by her fiancé, runs down her mother, a poor, ill-clad, wandering woman. The mother is slightly injured, and she recognizes her daughter. They plan to make "North" face his past. Gail sends word for "North" to come to her home, as she is in trouble. When he arrives he is brought face to face with his wife, whom he believed to be dead. "North" becomes frenzied from fear, as he thinks the sad faced woman is an apparition, and he flees from the house. The apparition continues to haunt him, and in a half-crazed mood he drives his automobile blindly through the streets, ending by running off a bridge when he is hurled to death. Mother and daughter, re-united, then seek a happier existence.
- Actress Jane Carleson has three admirers: Henry Strong (a millionaire), Hamilton Ross (a chemist), and Murray Campbell (a district attorney). When Jane weds Campbell, Ross writes an anonymous letter to Campbell, warning him that Strong is after his wife. Ross smears the flap of the envelope with poison. However, Strong is the one who opens the envelope, and dies from the poison. Since Campbell and Strong had quarreled just before the arrival of the letter, Campbell is convicted of the murder. Jane must expose the true murderer and save her husband.
- Standish, an artist, finishes a painting of the Madonna. His wife, Mary, acted as model, and when the Connoisseur and the Parishioner inspect the picture, the former tells Standish that he recognizes in the model a one-time paramour of his. The Connoisseur and the Parishioner buy the painting and after their departure Standish upbraids his wife, who tells him that she believed herself legally married to the Connoisseur. Standish refuses to accept her explanation and ejects her and their baby son. Mary leaves her boy on the steps of a monastery, and seventeen years later, just before becoming a monk, he receives permission to see the world. He wanders into a gay café and succumbs to the charms of Beauty. The other inmates of the place, Lust, Rum, Avarice and Passion are dancing around him when the proprietor enters. It is Mary, his mother. She recognizes him from the crucifix which he wears and which she left with him when he was a baby. Without revealing her identity she persuades him to go back and later when he has become a priest, a bedraggled old woman (his mother) enters his church. She recognizes him and just before she dies her son gives her absolution.
- Proud Confederate Captain Covington Halliday refuses to allow his daughter Martha to marry Northern lawyer Walter Lewis. As a boy, Covington was given an African American servant named Dan, who has always called him "Marse Covington." After the Civil War, Dan refused his freedom and stood by Covington, sharing his misfortunes. Jim Daly, who holds the mortgage on Halliday House, also wants to marry Martha, so he schemes with gambler Edward Bantree to fix a race in which Covington has wagered all his property on his beloved horse, Bess. Although Bess loses, Martha refuses to marry Jim to reclaim her family home. She moves to New York City with her father and Dan, but their savings are soon exhausted and Covington is forced to stand in bread lines. After Dan goes to work for Edward, he learns about the plot to fix the race. He tells Walter, who is later hired to defend Edward for Jim's murder. In lieu of cash, Walter demands the Halliday House deed as payment. Covington returns to his home with Dan, and gives Walter his blessing to marry Martha.
- When her mother, the operatic idol of Paris, takes her to the United States and dies, Cora goes to live with Marie, a model for artist George Garnier. Although George is engaged to wealthy Helen Van Brooks, who is in love with Carl Wilson, a club-man, George and Cora fall in love. When Cora discovers the engagement, however, she leaves and becomes an opera star. Years later, after breaking his engagement, George visits Cora again, causing Mrs. Van Brooks to entreat Cora to give up George. At a wild party, Cora allows Jose, her long-time admirer, to make love to her, which provokes George's disgust until Marie explains Cora's behavior. When Jose, alone with Cora, attacks her, George and Marie burst in to see Jose, hit by a wine cooler hurled by Cora, fall backward through a window, fall to the street and die. After they learn that Helen and Wilson have eloped, Cora and George are able to marry.
- Margaret Primrose is not permitted to see Ted North, who loves her, by her father, whom Ted's father ruined. To spite Ted, Primrose forces Margaret to marry Weston, a dissolute young millionaire, and Ted, heartbroken, goes West. Weston neglects Margaret and continues drinking. Seven years later, the Westons move West on the advice of his doctor to improve his health. Ted, meanwhile, has adopted the small daughter of a cattle rustler who was lynched by Ted's cowboys. When he spots a runaway horse and lassoes its rider, Margaret, they embrace, but realizing the impropriety, they bid each other goodbye. Weston resumes drinking and takes an interest in Molly, the proprietress of a dance hall. When Molly's sweetheart, "Quick Foot Jim" learns that Molly and Weston are planning to elope, he kills Weston. After Ted is convicted of the murder, based on circumstantial evidence, Jim abducts Molly. When Margaret learns the truth, a posse is organized to find Jim. No information has been located concerning the film's ending.
- Rhy MacGhesney and her two brothers, Clem and Sonnie, live with their father and their servant Maggie in a small boom mining town in Colorado. The boom has passed to the camps further on, leaving their little camp practically deserted. Rhy still has faith in the claim her father worked up to the time he was killed, some five years before, but her brother hates the life of the camp, and wants to sell for what they can get and go back to New York, where he feels he can have a chance to make something of himself. Their neighbor across the street is Lewis Beresford, whose obvious mission in the camp is one of pleasure, but who is in reality a mining expert, connected with big mining interests. He has ingratiated himself into the affection of the people of this little camp, and shows a great liking for Rhy and her brothers. Steve Towney, the former mine superintendent for "The Three of Us," is in love with Rhy and is jealous of Beresford, as he has been accepted as suitor for Rhy's hand, up to the time of Beresford's coming. Mr. and Mrs. Bix, Rhy's closest friends in the camp, give a Hallowe'en dinner, which is to be the biggest event of the year. On the day that the dinner is to be given, Steven strikes, by accident, mineral. This assures the success of the mine on which he holds an option, and which adjoins "The Three of Us." Overjoyed, he rushes to Rhy to tell the good news, informing her that it will be impossible for him to attend the Bix dinner, as his option expires the next day at noon. Rhy confesses her love for him, and asks him to wait until next morning. She will then go with him. He consents, giving her the option and samples of ore. Clem overhears the conversation. He is bribed by Beresford to reveal it. The latter thus has an opportunity to make an attempt to gain possession of the mine. He is at the recording office waiting to establish a claim the moment that the option to Towney's mine expires. But Rhy saves the mine and proves her loyalty to Steve by a thrilling ride over the mountains. This is shown in a series of exciting pictures. A great explosion for the breaking of ground for a smelter for the two successful mines ends the picture.
- The secretary of the young king of Bavarre sees and is impressed with a little girl. He watches her dancing in the street. When her father dies, the secretary takes the little dancer under his care and in time she becomes the premiere danseuse of the capital. The young king sees her and becomes infatuated. To win her, he showers attention and riches and in turn she pleads for the poor of the nation. The king grants her request, thereby incurring the enmity of the nobility, who lay all the blame for his acts at the little dancer's door. A plot is discovered, which will mean the death of the king, if it is carried out, but the dancer risks her life to warn him. The few that are loyal to him are able to incite the people to battle against the revolutionary army. Enraged at the failure of his plotting, the prime minister who has sought to supplant the king, realizes that Lola is responsible for his downfall and in the duel between the dancer and the minister, the minister is killed. Leaderless, the revolutionists are overcome, and the king weds the dancer, with general rejoicing on the part of the populace.
- The Escott family, on their way to Montana, is attacked by Indians. Army Lt. Joe Lanier afterwards finds little Elsie Escott, the only survivor, and brings her to his mother, who takes in the girl and raises her. Joe later leaves the army and becomes a successful miner, and over the years as he sees Elsie grow into a woman, he falls in love with her. Soon, however, a handsome stranger named Bob Stanton becomes his rival for Elsie's affections, and when Joe becomes jealous Elsie gets angry and makes plans to elope with Stanton. However, a war with Spain complicates everything.
- Jealous cousin who, thwarted in her love for Jim Stewart, Dulcie's sweetheart, taunts Tom Blake, after his refusal by Dulcie that she and her favored one have been making game of him. Hearing this, Blake is enraged and picks a quarrel with Stewart who, losing patience, strikes him. This means mischief and a meeting is arranged at seven o'clock that evening. The cousin overhears the appointment, is delighted and as she is riding home meets Dulcie, who asks her the cause of her hurry. Madge, in a burst of spite, tells her of the affair and rides off. Dulcie is terrified and hastening to the place to stop the duel is just in time to be slightly wounded. Tom is frantic with fear that he has hurt her and the meeting breaks up in confusion. Dulcie, however, has only received a scratch and is soon over her fright. Tom meets her at the old gate and begs for forgiveness, which is willingly accorded. In June the wedding bells ring out for Dulcie and Stewart and the old gate witnesses a pretty sight as the pretty maids and gallant youths go forth to be married.
- A dramatization of the methods in which young women are abducted or otherwise procured for prostitution.
- Robert Hart meets Rose Hunter, a well-known singer; they are mutually attracted and marry. Only a few months elapse and Robert's wife shows her true colors. She is extravagant, fast and has an uncontrollable temper. They quarrel; she strikes him. Finally she leaves him and goes away with a former friend named Allan. Robert secures a divorce and decides to enter the ministry. Five years later he accepts a call to a small southern town. He bends all his energies to making his people happy and becomes greatly beloved with one exception, his old maid housekeeper, who considered the minister had not been attentive enough to her and had slighted her for Lucy Norton. Hart finds he is falling in love with Lucy and realizes that she returns his love. The affair is brought to a climax at the May Day Festival, where Lucy and Hart stroll off together and finally go boating. Lucy reaches for a water lily and falls into the water. Hart rescues her and takes her home. The next night after choir practice he declares his love and is overheard by Miss Priscilla. The next day in dusting the minister's desk she finds an old photo of Rose inscribed, "From your loving wife, Rose." That same afternoon she sees a picture in the New York paper advertising the appearance in vaudeville of "Rose Hunter." She compares it with the other and decides it is her duty to send word to Rose telling her of Hart's whereabouts. She writes, and Rose makes up her mind to come on and get money from Hart. On Rose's arrival at the station she is met by the son of the landlord of the only hotel. She sends the young chap with a note to the minister, bidding him come to her that night. Hart, amazed and troubled, decides to go. On his arrival, the boy shows him to Rose's room and, full of wonderment as to what "the beautiful lady" can want with the minister, he watches them through the keyhole. Rose greets Hart pleasantly and tries to make love to him. She then threatens to let out their past if he does not pay her to keep quiet. He gives her a check. She, enraged because the sum is not larger, demands more. He steps toward her and she draws back and falls through the old-fashioned window. When Hart reaches the yard he finds Rose dead. She is surrounded by a crowd who, having seen the minister enter the hotel, accuse him of her murder. The boy appears and clears the minister of the blame. The next day the trustees call on Hart to demand his resignation. Priscilla admits them and hastens away to tell Lucy of the minister's downfall. Lucy immediately hastens to Hart, declares her love and faith in him. The trustees are touched, tear up Hart's resignation and forgive him, with Lucy to face a life of happiness.
- The man with a purpose, who had been falsely accused and convicted, escapes from prison, determined to uncover evidence which will clear him in his flight he meets the woman without a purpose, who, answering a whim, assists him. The man accomplishes his purpose, but after clearing his name, is haunted by visions of the woman. He returns to her. She is an invalid. Satiated with all things good in life save health, she clings to her illness through sheer ennui, until the man, discerning, with rudeness, tenderness and anger in turn, matches his will against hers. Apparently he loses. But out of the conflict love is born, and at his call the woman, discarding her fancied weakness, walks strong beside the man up the golden road of the future.
- Sue Davis, on her discharge from jail for shoplifting, is taken in hand by a prominent member of a reform society, and given a ticket and money to go south and start life anew. On the same day, Tom Green is also released from prison, and he too determines to travel southward and begin over again. Sue and Tom meet at the depot, form acquaintance on the train and become friends before the trip ends. On their arrival in the southern town, they promise each other to meet again. Tom starts work in a factory. Sue gets a position in a millinery store. They continue to see much of each other, until finally conclude to get married. One day, about a year after their marriage, Sue meets an old acquaintance on the street. She is frightened and decides not to recognize her. This angers the woman and she follows her home and insists that she shall pay her to keep silent regarding her past. She complies, in terror that her husband will find out that she has not always been an honest woman. Tom, a few days after, meets an old prison mate, who also blackmails him. Both Tom and Sue become unhappy, harassed always by the fear that the other will learn of his or her unworthiness. At last, desperate, they decide to tell each other, and mutually confessing, forgive and begin life once more, free from shadow of crime.
- Janet, John and Violet are children of the Widow Smith. John is taken ill and the doctor decides he has tuberculosis, and that only a change of climate will help. Janet, who is a stenographer in the office of George Wheeler, a wealthy broker, determines to forge his name to a check to secure means to send her brother away. She forges the check and takes the money home and says that her employer has given it as a loan. In the meantime, the broker discovers the forgery and has Janet arrested. Her mother and brother are heartbroken and the mother leaves John alone with his baby sister, while she goes to seek aid for Janet. John struggles out of bed with the help of the little sister and they go out to find the broker and intercede for Janet. On their arrival at the office John succumbs to weariness and falls half fainting on the couch in the outer room. Little Violet enters the broker's private office alone, just as he is gazing at the picture of his own loved and lost baby. Violet wins his heart; he listens to her story, which is later corroborated by John. He sends them home happy in the assurance that their sister shall return to them. He withdraws the charge against Janet, gives John money to go away and with a last lingering kiss for little Violet, leaves the now-happy family.
- Ashton Royce, against the advice of his friends, marries a pretty little country girl, who after her marriage quickly develops a liking for society, so much so, that she has little time for her husband and apparently not understanding each other they are gradually drifting apart. Royce, who is a millionaire and lacking occupation, is worried and unhappy without being able to properly define or rectify the situation. Both husband and wife love each other and give no opportunity for complaint, but something is out of gear and neither knows exactly what it is. Royce, to relieve his mind, goes camping. One day reading the Ramayana he comes across the couplet referring to Sita's demand that she shall share Rama's exile. This gives him an idea and he writes to Margie that her mother is ill. Margie comes and is taken by Royce to his camp. At first she is very angry at the deception, but in a few days she chances upon the book and gets his idea. When Royce returns with the fish he has caught for supper, Margie has settled down and draws his attention to a couplet that completes the story.
- Mrs. Morson, a woman of fashion visiting the country with her cavalier servants, is attracted by the beauty of Nora Burton, and as a whim carries Nora off to the city with her. She dolls her up and takes pride in her protégée until she discovers that her admirer, Morgan Hendricks, is taking more interest in Nora than in her. She drives Nora from the house and the girl walks back home. Jim Brooks wants her, but she contrasts her rural suitor with the trim elegance of the city swain. Hendricks comes to win back Nora. She is delighted until she demands a ring and he explains that he didn't exactly mean to marry her. She retreats. Hendricks seizes her. Jim hears her cries and comes to the rescue. She decides that an honorable man is more to be desired than a fashionable libertine.
- Giacinta is sickly and unable to withstand the northern climate. On the advice of a physician he sells his fruit stand and goes south with his daughter, Bettina. There she wins the attention of Bradley, a small town usurer. When Giacinta needs money for land, he has to go to Bradley. Vincente, a young Italian, helps them work their farm. Bradley, fearing Vincente's influence over Bettina, endeavors to have Giacinta discharge him, but is unsuccessful. The crop is a big success and Bradley, foreseeing the payment of the mortgage will break his hold on Bettina, induces Pepo, Vincente's rival, to steal the money. Pepo does so, hides most of the money behind an old stump on an uncleared land. He gambles with the rest of the money and is killed, but does not die until he has accused Bradley and betrayed the hiding place of the money to Vincente. Bradley, hoping to foreclose the mortgage before the money can be found, proceeds to Giacinta's house, accompanied by a sheriff, but before the sheriff can take possession, Vincente arrives with the money, having found it in the place indicated by Pepo, and saves the day.
- Robert Harwood, who has been a successful "Raffles" in England, succeeds after making a big haul in making his escape to America. On the voyage over he makes the acquaintance of several influential people, and upon his arrival in America he is taken into society. There he meets and falls in love with a lovely girl. He resolves to marry her and becomes an honorable member of society. With the beginning of the new and honorable life his conscience begins to trouble him. He meets one man and conceives a dread of him, his conscience making him cowardly. Finally, on the night of the announcement of his engagement he realizes he is being shadowed. He loves Alice truly and decides he will not link her life with his crime-stained one. He breaks off their engagement, gives himself up to the detective, and secures peace of mind and conscience.
- Kate Hardy, a young girl, works in a department store for small wages and lives with her married sister. Kate dislikes her sordid surroundings and determines she will not marry Dave Horton, who is little better off than herself. She loves Dave, but does not wish to struggle with circumstances. One day she is introduced to a young magazine illustrator who is looking for types for magazine pictures. Hayward is struck with the girl's beauty and tries to induce her to become his model, for which she will be well paid. The picture of luxury on one side, and love in a cottage on the other, befuddles her, until she finally decides to accept the lure of the studio. Just as she is preparing to leave home, her sister has a bad fall and Kate returns to aid her. She then sees the love and terrible anxiety of Annie's husband, and like a flash she realizes how love can compensate for all adverse conditions. She goes to Dave, and poor as he is, they walk into the light together.
- Young minister Paul Shields is in love with pretty schoolteacher Mary Holmes, who doesn't encourage him. Calling for her at the close of school, she is pleased to accompany him to a prayer meeting on board a ship. The minister preaches to the men as Mary and first mate Jack Ames walk off on a tour of the ship. A week later, Jack and Mary's friendship has ripened into love. A party is given the minister and Mary enters with Amos, presenting a bunch of flowers. They leave the parsonage and Ames proposes. Mary agrees and they return to the minister. The request she makes is like a death blow. Stopping all merriment, he performs the ceremony. As everybody leaves he reels in his chair. A year later, Ames, having grown tired of life on land, secures a position as mate on a turpentine carrier. He tells his wife of his plans: she hesitates at first on account of their baby, but after a little persuasion by Ames, she agrees, as he has had little success on land. Shortly after an explosion occurs on board and the ship is enveloped in flames. Mrs. Ames, who has become uneasy at home, is at the water's edge looking out to sea. She sees the ship afire. A second terrific explosion happens, killing all on board. The following day the minister calls upon Mrs. Ames and gently tells her of her husband's death. The following morning she begins to realize her lonely position in life, and looking through the "Want Ads," reads of a position as companion to a wealthy woman to travel abroad. Lost as to what to do with her baby, she thinks of her friend, the minister. Writing a note that her baby is in the way to her livelihood, and for him to take care of it, she pins the note to the baby's dress and carries it to the door of the minister's home. His spinster sister discovers the baby and takes it into her brother's study. Seeing the note they read it. The minister decides to keep the baby. Mrs. Ames, who has witnessed this action from a window outside, leaves with a light heart. Applying for the position she is engaged and leaves for Europe. Five years have elapsed and Mrs. Ames, changed in her stylish attire, calls at the parsonage. The minister's sister fails to recognize her, but goes to her brother and tells him of the woman waiting him. Entering, he is surprised to meet no other than Mary, who immediately asks about her child. The minister realizes he is about to lose his companion, and refuses to give her up. Turning upon him in rage, she demands her baby, at which the minister retorts. She may have her child if she can identify her in the Sunday School. Scanning each baby face in the class of children, Mrs. Ames fails to recognize her child and returning to the parsonage, leaves heartbroken. The minister returns to his class and dismisses the children. Mrs. Ames, who is seated on a bench near the church sobbing, is noticed by two of the Sunday School children, who, in sympathy, come to her. Mary asks one her name and the child is quickly clasped in her mother's embrace. The scene is witnessed by the minister, who comes to them, and, blessing both, goes to his study, where he kneels in prayer of thanks.
- Paul Clark, unable to find work, sends his wife to her parents. Next morning he reads of his wife being shipwrecked and, upon calling at the dock, he hears that all on board were lost. Paul leaves his boarding house for a nearby lumber camp. He meets Clara Jackson at her father's place and asking her whether he can be put up for the night, Clara induces her father to let Paul stay. Clara is attracted by the stranger and the next morning after breakfast she wins over her father to give him a position. Later, as Paul is working at the saw mill, Clara and he stroll off to the water's edge where Paul tells her of his wife's death. Being in sympathy with him she tries to make Paul forget his grief. In the interim, Paul's wife has been picked up partly demented after an all-night struggle in the water. Jim Croft, a fisherman, brings her to his hut where she is attended by his wife. As the days pass, Paul's wife regains her senses and writes a letter to her husband. A strong love has sprung up between Paul and Clara and while strolling along in the woods, Paul proposes and is accepted. In the meantime, the wife's letter has been returned to her. Feeling this blow, she decides to go to hunt for Paul. Her search is long, but accidentally she picks up a newspaper and reads of her husband's wedding announcement to Clara. Reaching the Jackson's home, she meets Clara in her wedding dress and showing her the newspaper account asks for Paul. Clara, feeling that she is about to lose Paul, pushes her outdoors and chases her off the grounds. Standing in the doorway. Clara sees Paul's wife fall exhausted across the railroad tracks and at the same time espies an approaching train. Clara decides to rescue the wife and is just in time as the train comes rushing by. Bringing her near the house she meets Paul and her father in a buggy ready to leave with Clara for the wedding. Paul is happily surprised to be fondly embraced by his wife. Clara, telling her father to leave her, sadly looks into blank space and, feeling the trying strain, tears her wedding veil, vowing silence to the world.
- Bruce Errinton, an artist, is ordered South because of his weak lungs. He finds lodgings with Dave Halsey, a young Southerner. He soon becomes interested in Dave's pretty young wife Nell, and he takes advantage of her inherent artistic talent to persuade her to go North with him. He is confident that when he gets her away from Dave he can win her. After consistent pressing Nell agrees to go North, but strictly to work at her art. Visiting Bruce's studio she comes across a painting he has made from a sketch of Dave. It brings back her love in stronger force than her desire to paint. A friend gives her the money to get home and prevents Bruce from following her. Nell returns home and Dave, finding truth and honesty in her eyes, takes her to his heart again.
- Mary Menson, a country girl, is attracted by Paul Langford, who is spending the winter in the South. He devotes much if his time in leading Mary on to love him. For his sake she learns to read and write and is willing to study hard to be like other girls. The educational side is looked after by her old friend Jack Hardy, the schoolmaster, who, though college bred, is rusticated, and who himself loves Mary. He thinks that he is educating her to make her fit to marry his rival, but Mary suddenly discovers that the right man is Jack. At the happy ending Paul Langford and his real sweetheart, Gertrude Granger, return north, leaving Mary and the school master to the mercy of wedding bells.
- Failing to find a position, Walter Darrell complains to his wife about the condition of affairs. In looking over a newspaper be reads an advertisement of cheap farm land in the South, and decides to investigate. The following morning he bids his wife good-bye and upon his arrival at the office of the real estate, the agent meets him, and a lease is signed for a farm. Some time later, in clearing the place, he is hurt by a tree stump which he had just set off by a blast. Juan and Corella, two wandering folks of a tribe of the Spanish type, are nearby. Corella is rejecting Juan's love as they witness the accident. Leaving Juan hurriedly, Corella rushes to the stranger. Helping Walter to his feet she brings him to her mother's shack, where the two women treat him kindly. Juan is aroused to a fit of jealousy and confronts Corella with reproaches for the kindness shown Walter. Turning a deaf ear upon him, she enters the shack again and resumes her talk with Walter. Leading him out, they sit on a bench where Corella pours forth her love for him, which Walter repulses; but he is yet helpless and unable to communicate with his wife. In the interval, the chief of police receives a letter from Walter's wife asking information. Calling an officer, he goes to hunt up the man. The officer happens on Corella's shack and she informs the officer that Walter is somewhere about working. Corella, feeling she is about to lose Walter, returns to the shack and once again pleads her love. Turning her away gently, he tells her of his intention to leave shortly and go to his wife. Shortly afterward she is talking to her mother and sends her off to gather some loco weed. Mrs. Darrell calls on the chief, and, with the officer, is sent to the shack. The old mother, having gathered the weeds, is brewing them as Juan rushes in and notifies Corella of Walter's wife and the officer's approach. This inspires her to give Walter the loco in a glass of wine, and she begs him to take it as a last farewell. As he finishes drinking, Walter dashes out of the shack and rushing wildly down the road, sees the officer and his wife. He lunges forward to grab his wife as the officer, receiving a blow from Walter, is thrown to the ground, stunned. Juan is attacked, and in the scuffle Walter extracts the dagger from Juan's belt. He once more makes an attack upon the wife, but weakening, as the effect of the weed is now losing its influence, and dropping the dagger, he stands bewildered. Juan, who has recovered, picks up the dagger and in rage is about to strike at Walter, when Corella, who had followed, rushes in, and in warding off the blow Juan intends for Walter, receives it herself, falling dead. Juan rushes off, crazed with grief. Walter, who has aimlessly wandered away, is brought back by his wife. Mrs. Darrell having witnessed the scene, directs the officer after Juan. That night Juan, who is frightened and crazed, is finally rounded up in front of Corella's shack where he is begging admittance and crouching in the doorway in prayer. -- Moving Picture World synopsis
- Walter Trask, a young college man, receives news of his father's death and the loss of his fortune. He resolves to go to work and try to retrieve his loss. With the aid of the family lawyer, he secures a position as bookkeeper with a large lumber firm in the South, and, bidding his fiancée farewell, departs. On his arrival he finds favor in the eyes of the superintendent, who takes him to his boarding house and introduces him to his landlady and her daughter, a pretty, frivolous, village coquette. The young lady immediately begins a conquest of the new boarder's heart and plays off one young man against the other. Trask and the superintendent finally become piqued and begin to quarrel. One day after a slight discussion in which Balk, the superintendent is the victor, Trask moodily walks away, and in strolling along by an old oyster bed, accidentally unearths a wonderful pearl. Balk and Myrtle follow him, a new quarrel ensues in which Trask drops the pearl. Balk picks it up and Myrtle greedily demands it. Trask comes up and asks for the pearl. Balk and he have words and Myrtle slyly runs away with the pearl. She jumps into a buggy and drives to the village jewelers. Balk and Trask discover her absence and follow her. They find her trying to sell the pearl. Balk insists she return the pearl to Trask. He, much disgusted with her, refuses to receive it and tells Balk to keep it. Balk refuses also and Myrtle retains the gem. On Trask's return to the boarding house he receives a telegram from his betrothed telling him to return at once, as much of his fortune has been discovered. He determines to do so, and, reconciled to Balk, leaves tor the North. Some weeks later Myrtle, anxious to regain her influence with Balk, makes overtures of peace, but he gently repulses her, having discovered her unworthiness. She accepts Balk's rebuff calmly and goes to her room to gloat over her great pearl. While admiring it, it suddenly explodes, thus exemplifying, "All is vanity and shall crumble to dust."
- Rich old banker John Worth disinherits his son Robert for marrying against his wishes. The boy gets a position as chauffeur with a taxicab company and the next day the father, finding that his car is out of order, calls a taxi and by chance Robert is sent to answer the call. Robert decides to kidnap his father and hold him for ransom. With aid from two hired thugs he imprisons the old man in a lonely, deserted shack down by the river. He then slips a note under the door reading, "Write your check for $1000, or we will blow the place up tonight." The father tries to escape through a window but he is too large for the opening and gets wedged in and can't get either out or back into the room. Robert tells his wife of his plan and arranges for her to rescue his father. She does and the old man rewards her with $1000. He grows very fond of the girl and questions her. She tells him she is married, opens the door, and lets Robert in. The father is thunderstruck for a moment, but finally collects himself and starts to denounce the boy. The girl intercedes; through fondness for her, the old man relents and all ends happily.
- Stephen Elliott is the president of the Traders Bank and Milton Gray is the cashier. One day Elliott comes into Gray's office and is introduced to the cashier's wife. She is a pretty woman and the president feels that he would like to possess her. The next day he sends an invitation for Gray and his wife to visit him and take dinner, that he may become more acquainted with the cashier's wife. He then plans to incriminate the husband. A few days later he again visits the cashier's office, and during a pleasant conversation. Gray drops his pencil. As he stoops to pick it up the president surreptitiously takes a bundle of currency from the desk. The next morning it is found that the money of the bank is short. An investigation takes place, without favorable result. Gray declares his innocence, but without avail. The president sends for the police and has the cashier arrested. He then goes to Gray's home and informs the wife that her husband is a criminal and in jail. He promises that he will help clear him, but of course does not intend to do so. Gray is tried and sentenced to a term in the penitentiary. The next action of the arch rascal is to induce Gray's wife to get a divorce which is successfully carried through. Elliott then proposes to the woman and is accepted. The warden of the prison treats Gray very kindly and instead of giving him menial dirties to perform, assigns him to do typewriting and act as a clerk. Six years pass. Elliott has married the divorced wife and they have a child. Gray having served his term, is released from prison and swears vengeance. He watches the president's mansion, and one night, Elliott, sitting in his library, sees Gray's face at the window. He is appalled. The wife and maid are upstairs putting the child to bed. The guilty husband is terrified with fear as be sees his victim draw a gun. Gray will kill him on the stroke of twelve. As he makes a movement to prevent Kate from entering the room, he is attacked with heart failure and falls back in the chair dead.
- John Colby, a spoiled, reckless ne'er-do-well, jaunts to the little town of Westbury and meets Betty Carter, the daughter of country grocer Lige Carter. Betty is artlessness personified, and Colby fills her mind with tales of city life, then leaves her dreaming of gay parties and autos. Upon returning to the city Colby boasts of big conquest to several of his reckless companions, who doubt his story. Colby becomes angered and says that he will show them. He loads the party into an auto and speeds out to the crossroads grocery. The party finds Betty at the well and the girl is the recipient of much flattery when Colby introduces all of his friends. The old grocer sees the visitors, the sand of suspicion is blown into his eye, and he orders the party away. One of Colby's companions proposes a mock marriage ceremony, and Colby, angry at the girl's father, agrees. The girl is sent for and the preparations made for the pretend ceremony. Old man Carter sees Betty steal away and, seizing a shotgun, follows. He comes upon the young profligates just as they are going through the ceremony, and as they prepare to take Betty away with them, the old grocer fires, mortally wounding Colby. Betty turns against her father. She has Colby taken to her father's home, where she nurses him back to life. During the interim the city chap has fallen in love with her. This time a real minister is brought into service, and all are made happy, even old Mr. Carter, who is pleased that matters were so easily mended.
- Olly, the lighthouse keeper's daughter, is persuaded by her father to accept the attentions of Joe, a fisherman she dislikes. Dick Mathews arrives at the seashore with his mother to spend his vacation and calls at the lighthouse to rent a boat for a daily row. He meets Olly and it is a case of love at first sight. They are seen quite frequently together by Joe. The seed of vengeance now sprouts in his heart, and being cognizant of Dick taking a daily row, saws the oars partly in half in the hopes that Dick would row out to sea, the oars break, and that he would perish. It occurs, however, that Olly, deciding to play a joke on Dick, takes out the boat. When out quite a distance the oars break and she is tossed around by the waves. Dick goes down to where his boat is kept, followed from behind by Joe, who is anxious to see his plans fulfilled, but is surprised to see that his boat is gone. He finds Olly's bonnet, and, thinking that she has played a joke, passes on. Joe is horrified to see the boat gone, and on finding Olly's bonnet, it occurs to him instantly that the fate he prepared for Dick has befallen Olly, and he rushes to her father, stating that Olly must have drifted into the sea. The father rushes down to the sea, followed by Joe, and they start a search, Joe in a boat, the father searching the shore. Dick, on looking from a rocky elevation overlooking the sea, spies Olly frantically waving her apron in the drifting boat, and with the aid of two fishermen, rows out and rescues her just as she collapses from exhaustion. The sea becomes very rough and Joe's boat is wrecked and he swims to a reef, where he finds the wreck of Olly's boat. He becomes remorse-stricken, but he realizes that he is doomed. The nest morning Olly is taken to her father, whom she tells of Joe's dastardly attempt to kill Dick. The father, wild with rage, rushes out to search for Joe. He finds Joe's body washed ashore and proceeds to denounce him, but sees that he is dead.
- Maisara, a collector of revenue for the caliph, Haschem, wrongs a widow. She appeals to the caliph, and he orders that Maisara repay her a hundredfold and lose his place. Vowing vengeance, Maisara seeks his kinsmen, the tribal spirit being an Arabian characteristic. They counsel with him and decide that Maisara must send his daughter Amina to the caliph as a peace offering--but in reality that she will assassinate him. She falls in love with Haschem and fails to redeem her promise. Maisara warns her that unless she carries out the undertaking he will do so himself. She throws the dagger from her and this is taken to Maisara by Zied, his cousin. Under pretense of seeing Amina, Maisara gains entrance to the harem, where Haschem is not closely guarded, and where the blow can be struck before help can be summoned. Amina is horror-stricken at his appearance. Her distress is secretly observed by Haschem, who is on guard against the treachery, and takes the dagger from Maisara. On Amina's plea, Maisara's life is saved, and Amina finds happiness in the caliph's arms.
- John Bruce and his daughter Bess are plain Southern orange-growing country folks. Old Bruce likes Jim Lang, an employee who loves Bess. One day the young folks ask his consent to their marriage. He tells Jim to wait a year. Bess goes to visit city relatives, and when the year is up she forgets Jim. She becomes cultured and falls in love with Count De Tourney. One day Jim sends her a branch of oranges, and the count sends her his usual box of roses. She meditates over these, and two visions arise. On the right she sees herself dancing with the count at a grand ball; on the left she sees Jim and herself among the orange trees at home. She decides that she is tired of the count and city life, and hurries home. She finds she is happier there and that she loves Jim better after all.
- Sisters Assina and Malmama love Giafar; he loves Malmama. Assina tries to win Giafar from her sister; failing, she resorts to incantations. She lights a fire, casts poisonous herbs and leaves into the camp pot and prepares the potion. It fails utterly and Malmama and Giafar are happy in their love. Assina is furious and resolves to get rid of her sister/rival by having her abducted and sold at the slave market. She negotiates with a slave dealer, promising to deliver into his hands a woman so beautiful that she commands a big price and that Assina will add 50 pieces of gold. By arrangement with Assina, Masrond's men seize Malmama and carry her off. Assina pretends great agony and concern, but she continues to try to fascinate Giafar, but he's inconsolable. Malmama is sold at the market to the Caliph's eunuchs, who rejoice that they have secured so beautiful a slave for their royal master's harem. Giafar sees her dragged away but is powerless. He follows the eunuchs to the palace and bribes the chief eunuch to give him a position as gardener in the palace grounds. Malmama is dragged into the harem where Saad ibn Maad, the Caliph, endeavors to kiss her. She struggles and screams. Giafar hears her cries, leaps into the room, and drags her from the Caliph's arms. Malmama pleads that they may tell their story of the abduction and their love. Saad grants permission and after hearing the narrative, comforts the lovers and orders them to be set free.
- Joshua Craig and his daughter Meta, have never been farther than the backwoods of a turpentine camp. One day they set out in their old wagon in search of a new place. Night overtakes them and they put up at John Vance's camp. Vance is impressed with plain, unsophisticated Meta; the next week they are married. Craig is informed of the marriage and is little interested beyond asking money for his share of giving up his daughter, which is doled out to him. He is then ordered to move on and Meta and Vance return to the shack where she becomes more a slave than a wife. Two years elapse and Wilbur Stuart, an acrobat, is finishing his act at the town hall. Julia Swift, one of the town girls, is attracted by Stuart, and as he is leaving the place, attempts to speak to him, but is met with a snub. Rushing to her gentleman friend, she tells him that Stuart has insulted her. A fight ensues in which the man is killed by Stuart by a hard blow on the jaw. The sheriff immediately goes on the hunt for the acrobat. Stuart, who has been running, is almost exhausted when he sees Meta at the well. Rushing in upon her he tells her of the affair. The Sheriff and a deputy are closely following. He pleads with Meta to hide him and having aroused the girl's sympathy, they rush off to the still, where Stuart also wins Meta's admiration. The sheriff and deputy come up in front of the shack and question Vance about the acrobat. He is ignorant of what Meta has done and calling her, the men question her, but she answers in the negative. The men call for torches and all go off in search of Stuart, but not until the sheriff has aroused the husband's jealousy through a little flirtation which he carried on with Meta. Remembering her new friend she gets food and clothing and, rushing off to the shack, brings them to Stuart. The men having failed in their search, return to the house. The sheriff decides that they will stay at Vance's for the night, much to the disgust of Vance. The sheriff has been drinking heavily and flirts with Meta, who noticing her husband watching from behind, encourages it. All turn in for the night. Meta, going to her room, is thinking about Stuart. Vance joins her and she feigns being asleep. Looking at her doubtfully he vows to watch, and lying alongside of Meta falls asleep. She rises slowly and leaves the house, joining Stuart at the still. The sheriff wakes, and, finding the bucket empty, goes to the well. As he is drawing water he feels a shot whiz by him from Vance's bedroom window. Vance having discovered Meta's absence, feels that the sheriff is responsible and shoots. The sheriff is killed and Vance badly wounded. The sheriff's body is discovered by the deputy, who, giving the alarm, continues on the hunt for Stuart. He finally arrests Stuart and Meta as well. Stuart is found guilty, but at the critical moment Vance rushes on and confesses to the murder of the sheriff, and so Meta and Stuart find a soul.
- Walter Clark is engaged to his rich young cousin Beatrice Irving. While on a visit to a gypsy camp, he meets Tamandra, and it is love at first sight. He goes back alone and he and Tamandra run off and get married--she marrying him for his money. The young man and his gypsy wife are turned out of his uncle's house. After learning the truth of Walter being dependent on his uncle, Tamandra endures living in poor surroundings with him for one year; then she leaves him and rejoins her tribe. Walter visits the camp and tries to win her back, but is driven off. A child has been born to Tamandra, but she conceals it from him. Later, to keep Walter from annoying her, she has an article published of her death. The uncle reads this and visits his nephew and begs him to return. Back in his old home, Walter and Beatrice fall in love again. On the eve of their marriage, Oscar, a gypsy, asks the sexton about Walter's marriage. He tells Tamandra, who sends a note of congratulations to Walter, which he receives during the wedding ceremony. On receipt of it he deserts Beatrice and rushes off to a monastery. He is admitted and joins the order. There is another lapse of time. Beatrice, having felt the shock keenly, becomes a slum worker. One day while going her rounds, she accidentally meets Tamandra's child, who takes Beatrice to his mother's "poor one-room quarters." The mother dies and asks Beatrice to take care of the boy. She takes him home and the two become great chums. One day while they're playing together, a band of monks are out for a walk, and when they pass by, Beatrice notices Walter among them. She stops him and tells him about Tamandra's death and introduces the boy and relates the story of Tamandra and the boy's relationship. He realizes that it is his son; forgetting his garb, he hugs him. Beatrice asks him to return. He hesitates and declares his vows to the order and that he has already renounced the ways of the world, and telling Beatrice that she should raise the boy as hers. She consents just as the other monks pass, and Walter falls in with them and returns to the monastery.
- One morning, stockbroker Richard Marston is attacked with a fit of nervous breakdown. He sends for the doctor, who gives temporary aid, but tells him to immediately go south and rest up or the consequence will be serious. Marston, his wife, and their son Roy pack up and hasten to a bungalow at Snake River, Florida. A few days pass and Roy encounters Dolores, a girl who runs a motorboat for hire. She lives with her father and mother and little sister Rosita in a shack near the shore. The baby girl visits the Marstons and is petted and treated kindly by them. Marston discovers Roy's attachment for the boat girl and is annoyed. The little girl falls sick and Marston visits the shack and gives the mother money. The doctor is called and advises that if the child gets worse that he be sent for quickly. Marston receives a message that his stocks are being raided and he must catch the next train for New York. He hastens to the boathouse to get Dolores to take him to the nearest station, 30 miles up the river. Just then Rosita gets worse and Dolores must go in haste for the doctor. Marston storms in and demands to be taken to the station: he has a million at stake, he offers $10,000 for the service of the boat. Dolores refuses the offer and turns her boat down the river for the doctor. The child's life is saved and Marston's millions also. He then resolves that Dolores is the right sort of a girl to be his daughter-in-law.
- A lovely rose blooming in the garden sees a couple of lovers and hears the youth swear that he will love the maiden through life and that their souls shall love in Heaven. A vision appears and the rose pleads that she may have a soul, that she also may live hereafter. The vision sends a soul into the rose, presents her with a basket of flowers, and instructs her to sell them on the streets and the basket will be filled every morning. The rose becomes a human being. She takes humble lodgings in London, dresses poorly but nearly, and goes out to sell the contents of the baskets, then goes home to rent. In the morning she again goes out, making her stand usually on one corner. She soon becomes known and customers come regularly. Jack Bellingham buys a flower every morning and being attracted by her beauty pauses for a few minutes chat. Rose is entranced and one day Jack proposes that she shall meet him for an evening's enjoyment. She has saved a little money and with it she buys a simple white frock and hat. She meets Jack as per appointment and he takes her to an Italian restaurant for dinner after which they go to a theater. On the way home in a cab, Jack encircles her with his arm and she lays her head upon his shoulder. On parting at the door the man takes her in his arms and kisses her passionately. For a few weeks Jack is regular in his visits and attentions, then one Saturday morning he tells Rose that he cannot see her that afternoon as he has to entertain some friends of his mother. The girl is sad and goes to the park, where she sees her lover with two ladies in a carriage. The one is elderly, the other young and beautiful. The girl turns away. The next morning she is not at her post and Jack looks for her in vain. In the evening he goes to the lodging house and the landlady invites him into the parlor and sends the girl to him. She asks who were the ladies. Jack tells her that they were the wife and daughter of his employer and that his mother wants him to marry the girl. Rose asks him if he intends to carry out his mother's wishes. He will not commit himself and when they part Rose refuses to kiss him. She faints and is taken to her room, where she lies ill for weeks. When she becomes convalescent Jack is permitted to visit her in her room. He tells her he cannot live without her and begs her to become his wife. A week or two later there is a modest wedding.
- Young Artist Duke Mason comes to a fishing village to paint his prize picture. He meets Nell Jason and they fall in love with each other. As he paints, she watches and finds fault with his picture so often that he tells her to paint it, which she does. They become engaged. The picture is finally finished. He leaves Nell and tells her that he will return soon. In the city, the picture is a great success, bringing Mason money and friends. He forgets his little fisher-maiden and she waits in vain for his return. He left his paint, etc., with her when he went away, and she paints to amuse herself. Her father is old and she feels that she must help support him. She reads in a paper of an offer of $1,000 as first prize; $500, as second, etc., for a picture to be exhibited in an art gallery several months later. She decides to try for one of the prizes. The picture is finished and she names it "Calling." Mason tries for the prize, but his hand has lost its cunning, and some of his friends tell him of a wonderful picture which did win the first prize. The picture is just a barren part of the beach and standing on a little elevated portion is a girl, with back turned, looking across the water with arms outstretched. He reads the title, and much to the surprise of his friends, he leaves the art gallery. At the village, Nell is standing on the beach, the living picture of "Calling." Mason sees her, comes to her and asks her to forgive, and she does.
- Sisters Edith and Daisy are in love with Dick, a young chap devoted to automobiling. He prefers Edith, and they become secretly engaged, as she doesn't want to tell her father yet. One morning Dick takes Daisy for a ride; there is an accident and Daisy is hurt but Dick is unhurt and carries her home. Her father sees him bringing her in and a servant goes for a doctor. Dick blames himself, but Edith consoles him. The doctor says Daisy will never walk again. The father turns to Dick and denounces him. Dick goes away while Edith consoles her father. Later, while Edith is amusing her lame sister, Daisy confesses her love for Dick. Edith is horrified at first, then realizes that she and Dick must sacrifice their love for Daisy because he was the cause of the accident. She tells Dick this and their happy love affair is turned into a tragedy. The lame girl is wheeled out and Dick asks her to marry him. She consents. When Daisy is once more in her room, Dick sees Edith coming from the house. She had waited to bid him a last goodbye. This time she breaks down. He tells her he loves her. The lame girl upstairs hears them, and she throws down a rose with a note pinned to it telling them that she wants only her sister's happiness. It falls at their feet. They rush in to her, but her mind is made up. They are free to marry. She gets her father to forget all his resentment against Dick and consent to the marriage. The lovers go out happy, while Daisy breaks down in her father's arms.
- John Clancy, a young ambitious member of the police force, receives a commission to run down a band of thieves. Nancy Batterson's father is the leader of the gang, and she has been brought up absolutely without moral ideas. She has been assisting her father in his "work," but has been suffering from an instinctive revulsion of feeling in helping the gang, and at last fights against her father's wish. When he agrees that the job he wants her to do will be the last one she consents. Meanwhile Clancy has been shadowing a notorious gangster by the name of Jim Hogan and discovers the rendezvous of the thieves. Hogan is in love with Nancy, and after the gang has left the house Hogan tries to force his unwelcome attentions upon Nancy. Clancy, who has entered the house after the departure of the gang, overhears the struggle between Nancy and Hogan and rushes in to save her. Hogan is beaten in the scuffle and escapes to find the gang. Clancy tells who he is, and in turn discovers that she is one of the gang. The gang returns and vows to get Clancy. That night Nancy is forced to go to the house selected for her to rob, and Hogan, fearing some traitorous action on her part, shadows her. Clancy is also on the job and shadows Hogan. Clancy follows Nancy and Hogan into the house and saves Nancy by making her leave before the owner of the house discovers them. Hogan is made the prisoner and Clancy takes them away. He turns the prisoner over to another policeman and goes to Nancy's home to make sure that no harm befalls her. Hogan trips up his captor and escapes to the house, where he surprises Clancy listening to Nancy telling the gang of her failure. The gang drag Clancy into the room and fall upon him, but with Nancy's help he drives them back and escapes with her into the adjoining room. Nancy escapes by the window, while Clancy holds the door until she gets the police. The police rush in just as the gang break down the door of Clancy's barricade. The gang are dragged away and Clancy takes Nancy in his arms and tells her that thereafter he intends being more than just her protector.
- May Simmonds and her sweetheart, Bob, separate one morning to go about their respective duties. Bob going to the operation of the ranch of which he is foreman, and May to the well. Captain Magee of the nearby army post sees May. It is evident that the captain is an ardent admirer of her. Returning to the house with her, he declares his love, only to be told of her engagement to Bob. Bob sees the two returning and resents the captain's presence. A quarrel between the two men is barely averted by May, but they separate bitter enemies. Bob has had occasion to discharge two Mexicans, Pedro and his brother, for drinking. These two men declare vengeance and the next day wait in ambush for Bob. In the fight which follows, Bob kills the younger brother. Pedro goes to the nearest Mexican federal post and tells the officer there that his brother has been murdered without provocation by Bob on Mexican soil. The officer departs with a detail of troops and, accompanied by Pedro, repairs to the location of the fight. Upon finding the body of the dead Mexican the officer tells Pedro that Bob shall be arrested and punished. About this time May and Bob are starting for a horseback ride from the ranch house. While riding along they encounter the Mexicans, who call upon Bob to surrender. Bob, however, has no such idea and, putting spurs to their horses, he and May race away. They are pursued by the Mexicans and finally, coming to a narrow gorge. Bob sends May back to the army post for aid, while he undertakes to hold the Mexicans at bay. May goes to Captain Magee, who immediately sees the possibilities of the situation. If he refuses aid, which he could do and be entirely within his rights, his rival would be put out of the way. His better nature asserts itself, however, and, accompanied by May, he heads his troop back to the scene of the fight. Arriving there, they find Bob has been successful in holding the Mexicans at bay and has not even suffered a scratch. Bob realizes the obligation he owes to the captain and apologizes for his ungracious conduct.
- Paul is the only son of John Osborne, a retired merchant. Osborne's life is centered in his son, his wife having been dead for years. He desires that Paul shall make a brilliant marriage. With this object in view, he arranges a match with the daughter of a wealthy acquaintance and notifies Paul of his plans. Paul, unknown to his father, has fallen in love with Alice, the daughter of a foreman in one of the mills. He strenuously objects to the proposed match. Matters are brought to a crisis, however, by the rejected suitor of Alice, who betrays the lovers to Paul's father. One day the lovers are surprised by John Osborne, who demands that Paul give his sweetheart up. Paul refuses to do so, and, carried away with rage and disappointment, the father tells Paul to choose between him and his sweetheart. Love conquers duty. After their marriage, Paul takes Alice to his father's house and pleads for a reconciliation, but his father spurns him. Paul secures a position in one of the mills. Two children come to bless the little home. Paul has become a sturdy, skilled worker. The elder Osborne grieves for his son, but his stubbornness will not permit of a reconciliation. He soon comes to be regarded as a miser by the townsmen. Trouble and misfortune, however, come to darken the home of Paul and Alice. A panic sweeps over the country and one by one the mills are closed. The bank in which their small savings are kept fails. One of the babies falls ill, and Paul tramps the streets in search for work. One day, when he is returning from his fruitless search, he sees his father on the street, and withdraws out of his sight until the old man passes, but he hears the remarks of the bystanders and thinks how well he could use a little of his father's treasure. When he reaches home he finds the baby is falling, professional nursing, change of climate and money are needed to save the little one. Paul thinks of his father and the gossip he has heard. He resolves to rob his father. That night he enters the familiar grounds for the first time since his marriage. He peers into the window and sees his father in the old chair. He slips into the room, through the window, and secretes himself to await the nocturnal visit to the treasure trove which he is sure his father will pay before retiring. The old man picks up the lamp and slowly climbs the stairs to the attic. Paul follows closely and secretes himself while his father produces an old tin box and places it on the table. The old man is soon lost in contemplation of the contents of the box, and Paul cautiously draws nearer, but when he sees what the box contains, he stands transfixed: a child's shoe, a top, marbles, a ball and mitt, and many other relics of his own childhood and boyhood. He blindly turns to go, but in his agitation he strikes against a chair, and his father starts up in alarm. Paul confesses the object of his visit and the necessity which drove him to it, and asks forgiveness. The pride of the old man is at last broken. He sees the trouble and unhappiness it has brought to him and his son, and he begs Paul's forgiveness, and entreats to be taken to Alice, that he may make his peace with her. The little cottage presents a different scene now. John Osborne sits with the little ill grandchild on his knee and tells him of sunny climes and of the grand house where he will live when they return.
- Along the Mexican border Troop C of the 15th Cavalry is camped. John Burton lives nearby upon his ranch with his wife, Lucy, and daughter, Blanche, who has fallen in love with Sergeant Ross, to whom, with her parents' consent, she is engaged. Private Smith is disgusted with life in the army. With all his soul he longs for the day when, his enlistment expired, he will again be a free man. He has written a friend at Washington to ascertain the terms upon which he can be released, and is advised that he can purchase his discharge for $100. Smith can see no chance of getting this amount and considers his case as hopeless. One day Sergeant Ross is given $100 by the commanding officer to go into town to purchase supplies, Ross is told that the wagon and escort will report at his tent within half an hour. On his way back to his tent, the sergeant meets Private Smith, who sees the money. He follows Ross to his tent, and peering under the side wall, sees him hide the money under the head of his cot. Sneaking around to the back of the tent, Smith steals the money. The detail, with the wagon, reports. Sergeant Ross goes into his tent to get the money and is dumbfounded to find it gone. He tells the commanding officer, who promptly places him under arrest. Several days later a skirmish occurs between the troop and some Mexicans. Private Smith is severely wounded. Left for dead, he drags his weary, wounded body through the briars in search of aid. John Burton and his daughter find him lying helpless by the roadside, take him to their home and through the tireless nursing of Blanche, Smith's life is saved. Smith discovers that he is in love with the girl who has saved his life and proposes to her, only to learn that she loves the man he has wronged and who now is facing a court-martial. His gratitude and love for Blanche prompts him to do the manly thing and he hastens to the building in which Ross is being tried, declares his guilt, takes his place as the proper prisoner, while the sergeant, free once more, hastens to the side of the ranchman's daughter.
- Dick Cartridge, though possessed of a dogmatic nature, loves his wife and their child. An occasion arises one evening at dinner where the husband shows his bad side, A bitter quarrel ensues between them because of her desire to go to the theater with a gentleman friend of the family, but the butler announces her escort, who is in the drawing room. Mr. Cartridge commands her to remain at home. Giving the matter little thought she asserts herself and refusing to obey him, adjourns to the drawing room, joins her escort and leaves. As she is about to enter the auto she regrets what has happened and dismissing her friend, decides to visit her mother. Mr. Cartridge feeling that he was right and that his wife's love for him has changed, dresses to leave, but instead wanders into his study where the warm hearth fire attracts him to his easy chair. He sits and thinks over the affair. A short time afterward his little daughter enters in her nightie. Failing to arouse him she climbs in his lap and falls asleep. As he is thinking he falls into a reverie, and looking into the fire, sees the following vision scenes: their first meeting; his walk through the conservatory with his sweetheart; the proposal; the church and their wedding; the nurse announcing the newborn baby; his trip from his study to his wife's bedroom viewing the baby, and last, his wife drinking and surrounded by her many admirers in a large reception room. Mrs. Cartridge, having left her mother's home, pushes on and going up to her child's room fails to find her in her place. Entering the study she discovers her husband and demands to know where her daughter is. As she draws nearer to him she sees her child. She kneels at his feet and confesses she had spent the evening with her mother. All is forgiven and love again dominates the home.
- Tom, son of Colonel Loring, is a handsome but dissipated youth, easily influenced to moral transgressions. Mary Lee, the pay-master's daughter, loves Tom despite his failings, and tries desperately though vainly to reform him. Senor Luis Rivera, polished and apparently wealthy (in reality a spy) becomes intimate with Tom, who, to keep up his end and pay his gambling loses to Rivera, and steals $5,000 from the Paymaster's safe. Rivera threatens to expose Tom's theft unless he steals for him the plans of forts in the southwest, proposing to give back the money, which Tom may replace in the safe, if he does so. Tom cannot resist the temptation, and secures the plans from his father's office, but before he has delivered the drawings to Rivera, Mary learns of the situation, and by pawning her jewels and using a little legacy, raises enough money to replace that stolen. She then forces Tom to defy Rivera, and replaces the plans. No one suspects Tom, but he realizes that he is breaking the hearts of his father and the girl, and swears that he will prove worthy of their love. Rivera has gone away. Tom disappears and under another name enlists in the army, leaving a note for Mary in which he tells her that she will not see him again until he has redeemed his shameful past. Shortly afterward the regiment, to which Tom has become attached, is ordered to the southwestern border on account of difficulty arising with the Republic of Mexico. In the meantime Mary has applied for and received an appointment as a Red Cross nurse and is herself sent to the border. One day after her arrival she is sent by the surgeon in charge to a point some distance away from the hospital and is greatly surprised to find the soldier assigned to drive the wagon furnished for her transportation, none other than Tom. The two young folks are overjoyed to see one another again. Tom takes his seat with Mary and the escort inside and the journey starts. Rivera with his troop learns of the trip, and starts in pursuit of the little party. A running fight follows. Mary and Tom are the only ones left alive on the wagon. Tom stops the wagon and hastily mounting Mary on one of the mules, sends her in search of aid, while he undertakes to hold back the attacking Mexicans. Upon Mary's return with a troop of cavalry they find Tom lying wounded. Tom is taken to the hospital and with Mary's careful nursing is restored to health. Later Tom is made Lieutenant and secures Mary's hand.