Plot

To a tourist who wishes to purchase his war bonnet, an Indian tells this story: The bonnet once belonged to Blue Fox, a powerful chief. When Chaska, the chief's son, grew into manhood, the father honored him above all others with the tribal band of feathers, said to shine in beauty only on a brow brave, just and worthy. Kenabec, the young warrior's friend, viewed the ceremony with jealous rage. Chaska wooed and won Wawina, whom Kenabec also loved. Later, he and Chaska were sent to spy upon a rival tribe. While on this expedition, Kenabec stabbed Chaska from behind. Still lay Chaska by the water, like as one with soul departed, like a pine tree felled for timber. Returning, Kenabec declared that Chaska had been slain by a foeman. Later, the Sioux made an attack upon their enemies. In the battle their chief was slain. Believing Kenabec worthy, they acclaimed him their new chief. Chaska, however, had not been killed. Although desperately wounded, he managed to stagger toward his tribe, just as Kenabec was being hailed as chief. The war bonnet was placed upon Kenabec's brow, but the sacred band of feathers touched him, but to writhe in anguish, vanished like the fading rainbow. In horror, the tribe shrank back as the writhing war bonnet denoted its wearer's unworthiness. Tearing it from his bead, Kenabec fled into the forest, a madman. At this moment, Chaska tottered into the camp. Miraculously the bonnet resumed its former beauty. Placing it upon Chaska's head, the warriors hailed him as their chief.—Moving Picture World synopsis