Plot

In spite of the influences of his father, a minister of the Gospel, Lester Goodrich seeks the companionship of fast friends. He makes constant demands on his parents for money, which he squanders. One night he and his comrades repair to a café and Lester becomes helpless with drink. His parents wonder at his failure to return. His mother induces her husband to seek him and bring him home. Following a clue, Lester's father finds him at the café about to be ejected for not paying his score. Settling the bill, the father returns home with the erring boy and warns him to give up his tempestuous career. With his father's warning impressed on his mind, he falls into a heavy slumber, in which he has a vivid dream and sees what his life might become if he continues. Arising from his bed, he goes into his parent's room. Noting their absence, he takes their money and jewels and joins his friends. They go to a gambling resort, which is raided. Lester escapes and returns to his home. Next day, Sunday, his parents start for church. He promises to join them later. He watches until the collection is deposited in the chapel and steals it. His father and mother discover the robbery and find evidence points to their son. Lester, meeting a girlfriend, invites her out. He rows her to a lonely spot in the lake and attempts to embrace her. Endeavoring to evade him, she falls into the water and is drowned. The tragedy is seen by those on shore. One man pursues Lester on a motorcycle. In the struggle, Lester kills his antagonist. Cornered by the pursuers, he attempts to escape by swimming, but is caught by the police in a boat. He succeeds in escaping by a ruse, but is arrested at his home. He is brought to trial for murder, convicted and receives a long sentence. One day, while working with the convicts he and another escape after attempting to kill the guards. Lester returns home for funds to enable him to leave the country. He is heard by his father, who overcomes him after a struggle. Horrified to see the prisoner is his son, the minister decides to take the law in his own hands. Lifting the bound prisoner upon his shoulder, he carries him to the lake, the scene of Lester's crimes. There he compels him to kneel. Raising his hands to the Almighty, the minister asks for strength to fulfill his mission and prays for the soul of the boy. Dashing the tears from his eyes, the father casts his son into the lake. Simultaneously with the fall Lester awakes and finds himself on the floor. Bewildered by his dream, Lester hastens to his parents and tells them of his awful experience, promising he will lead a better life.—Moving Picture World synopsis