Dick Walton and Jack Davis are both in love with Helen Morton, although Dick is by far the preferred suitor. Davis proposes to Helen, but is promptly rejected, and realizing that Helen's refusal of him means acceptance of Dick, decides to ...See moreDick Walton and Jack Davis are both in love with Helen Morton, although Dick is by far the preferred suitor. Davis proposes to Helen, but is promptly rejected, and realizing that Helen's refusal of him means acceptance of Dick, decides to get him out of the running if possible. Helen's younger brother, a wayward chap, is sent out west to work on a ranch. The night of his departure he decides to have a final fling at the club and is soon much the worse for liquor. Walton, accompanied by Davis, who still pretends to be his devoted friend, enters the club. Young Morton in his intoxicated condition, tries to pick a quarrel with Walton on account of the latter's comments on his condition. Young Morton finally tries to strike Walton, who pushes him aside. He falls, violently striking his head and remains unconscious. Davis, under the guise of friendship, induces Walton to hurry away to avoid any scandal. After Walton has left, Davis revives young Morton, who is little the worse for the hard knock he had received, puts him into an auto and sees him started for his train. He then writes a note to Walton, saying that Morton died almost immediately of a fractured skull and advising him to flee the country. Walton, believing that he had killed his sweetheart's brother and realizing that he could never face her again, becomes panic-stricken and after writing Helen a note of farewell, packs a few belongings and leaves. We next see him at work on the Panama Canal, where he has secured employment under an assumed name. One day while eagerly reading news from the states, he chances upon an item which tells of the rumored engagement of his friend Davis and Helen. Although he had intended giving up all hope of ever marrying Helen, his love proves too strong for him and he decides to see his sweetheart once more and then give himself up to the authorities. He arrives at Helen's house and while nervously awaiting her appearance he comes upon a photograph of her brother in cowboy garb and dated less than a month previous. The sudden release from the strain under which he has been for many months, is too much for him and he becomes hysterical from joy at learning that the man whom he thought he had killed was still alive. Helen enters the room and is clasped in the arms of an apparent madman and it is with considerable effort that she can wring from him the true cause of his long absence. Davis is announced and upon entering is confronted by the victim of his treachery. Helen takes the situation in hand, and ordering him from the house, nestles close in her lover's arms. Written by
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