The Iron Strain

Octavia Van Ness, a San Francisco social butterfly, falls into decline. On a physician's advice her grandfather, Ezra Whitney, a mining king, takes her to Alaska, hoping that she will regain health and find a mate more suitable than the gilded youths of the California city. In the far north they meet "Chuck" Hemingway, whom the girl supposes to be a "sour sough," but whom the grandfather recognizes as a young collegian from the east. Hemingway's advances are repulsed, and the cave man instinct wakens within him. The day before her return to civilization, Hemingway steals the girl, enters into a forced marriage with her and installs her in his cabin where, however, she suffers no more harm than if she were with her mother. Six months elapse. Octavia, now well and strong, rejoices in household work, but is still antagonistic to "Chuck." The change is brought about by the sudden arrival in the village of Kitty Malloy, the queen of the Arctic Cabaret. Octavia's jealousy is excited. She realizes his true worth and for the first time loves her husband. They return to California where they are united with the girl's family. —Moving Picture World synopsis