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1-14 of 14
- A con man from the city dupes a wealthy country girl into marriage.
- The story opens with the arrival in Hangtown of Madison Clay and his daughter, Salomy Jane, who have emigrated all the way from Kentucky. Straightway the young men and bachelors of the camp fall desperately in love with Salomy Jane. Her preference at first is for Rufe. Almost simultaneously with Clay's arrival the "Man" comes to Hangtown via the overland stage coach. He finds his way to the town bar and there recognizes Baldwin, who before coming west, had betrayed the "Man's" sister. The "Man" following comes upon him just in time to save Salomy from his insult. They grapple, but Baldwin breaks away and runs through the woods to his cabin where he begins packing with intent of leaving the community. Meantime Salomy. outraged at the insults of Baldwin, offers to marry Rufe on condition he kills him. Rufe demurs, but, passing Baldwin's cabin a short while afterward, hears noise of a fight inside and looking through the window sees the "Man" kill Baldwin. Remembering Salomy's promise, Rufe tells her that the crime is his, whereupon they become engaged. While this has been happening. Red Pete Heath, a worthless inhabitant of Hangtown, and a partner hold up the stage, wounding Yuba Bill, the driver. This crime, together with the murder of Baldwin, occasions a meeting of the vigilantes, who begin to scour the countryside for the offenders. At the same time these guardians of the law are given another source of worry. A letter from a kinsman has advised Larabee that there is a blood feud between his and Clay's family. The two antagonists meet and each declare that he will kill the other. In the midst of this excitement Salomy meets the "Man" on the road. She thinks at first that he may be one of the robbers. He however disabuses her in this respect, but admits that it was he who killed Baldwin. She brings the "Man" provisions and bids him good-bye with obvious reluctance. Then, acquainted with Rufe's deceit, she breaks her engagement with him. With the booty taken by Red Pete from the stage was a bracelet which falls into the hands of his little girl. She in turn gives it to Salomy. Yuba Bill sees it, recognizes it; thus the responsibility of the hold-up is fixed. In the chase that ensues Red Pete is taken after a sensational tumble over a cliff and his partner killed. Meanwhile one party of vigilantes have taken the "Man." thinking him Red Pete's accomplice. Red Pete's word and the report that the real accomplice has been killed, rights this mistake and the vigilantes are on the point of releasing the "Man," when Rufe declares him Baldwin's murderer. It is decided to hang him alongside Red Pete. Red Pete's wife bids him a tearful farewell. When it is asked if there is anyone to tell the stranger good-bye. Salomy embraces and kisses him. The Man" makes his escape a little later and returns to Salomy, who, to protect him from Rufe. disguises him in her father's hat and coat. Larabee. seeing him thus dressed, mistakes him for Clay and shoots at him. The bullet hits the brim of the stranger's hat. The "Man," in his turn, shoots and kills Larabee. Clay is suspected of this crime. He is forewarned by Starbottle. Thinking that Salomy has killed his enemy, the father assumes the guilt, saddles his horse and rides away. Meanwhile Salomy has joined the man and the two of them make their escape after a sensational fight, including a ride down the river on a log. Hangtown left far behind. Madison Clay meets his daughter and her lover. The whole tangle is explained away by the "Man's" admission that he killed Larabee. Thus reconciled to Salomy, the father finds another horse that the three may ride toward a new home. The stranger and Salomy ride together.
- After Mr. Jefferson reads "Rip Van Winkle," Rip Van Winkle appears to him in a reverie as an idle young fellow whose wife labors at the washtub to make a scanty livelihood for their daughter Meenie and herself. Rip spent all the money he obtained in mortgaging his property to Derrick von Beekman, the wealthy money lender of the village of Fallen Waters, who has taken all of Rip's lands. The property was only mortgaged, but if it were sold to pay off this mortgage, it would sell for more than enough to pay off the loan on the land, and the balance would revert to Rip Van Winkle. Derrick von Beekman, being notified of this by his counselor, tries to get Rip to sign away all claims on the mortgages. To induce Rip to do this, he voluntarily lends him 16 pounds to be paid 20 years from the date, without interest. Rip is persuaded by von Beekman to accept the money and starts anew by standing treat to the whole village. Von Beekman tries to get Rip to sign away all his claims, but Rip places the document in his game bag and decides to think it over. Then he goes home to face his wife Gretchen and tries to make up for staying out all night in the mountains. He finds no one at home but the children. They come to him and ask him to make a boat for them. He does so. Having no sail to the boat, he thinks of the paper in his game bag, and places it on the mast. While sailing it in the tub, little Hendrik Vedder, son of innkeeper Nick Vedder, tells Rip there is writing on it. Rip reads the letter that Derrick von Beekman is trying to get him to sign, and finds out why Derrick was in such a hurry. Rip later attends a dance. Amid the frivolities, Rip's wife Gretchen catches him embracing one of the girls. She chases him through the house with a club, throwing chairs at him, and Rip and his dog Schneider make their exit and take to the mountains. A storm comes up in which little Meenie and little Hendrik are afraid of lightning. Hendrik tells Meenie the cause of the lightning, saying that Hendrik Hudson and his crew, who live in the mountains, produce the lightning and thunder by playing ten pins and Hendrik Hudson lighting his pipe. Rip, who is in the storm, returns home and, as his custom is, he throws his hat in the window, the children try to warn Rip that Gretchen is hiding, but he is caught by the ear and dragged into the house. Gretchen, while scolding him, takes from his game bag a flask of whiskey, which she puts in her pocket. Rip, in turn, steals the bottle from her apron. He swears that he will never drink again. Gretchen, pleased, goes to Meenie and tells her that her father has sworn off, but returns only to find that Rip has lied to her and is drinking the liquor. She takes the bottle from him, throws it out of the window, and demands that Rip leave the house never to return again. He and his dog Schneider go to the mountains. After long climbing, he misses his bottle and sends Schneider for it. Schneider returns to the house, finds Rip's bottle and brings it to him. Rip rewards Schneider by giving him the only crust of bread left in the game bag. Schneider becomes afraid of something and deserts Rip. Rip, looking for the cause of Schneider's fear, turns and sees a strange little being carrying a keg, clambering up the mountain side, who comes to him and in dumb language asks him to carry the keg up the mountain. Rip agrees to carry this for the strange being. Arriving at the home of Hendrik Hudson, Rip is induced to drink of the strange liquor in the keg, and falls into a long sleep which lasts for twenty years. Rip, thought to have been lost in the mountains and died, von Beekman importunes Rip's wife, who is now in poverty. Meenie, now a grown girl, is pursued by his nephew. Cockles, who insults her. Young Henderick Vedder avenges the insult, by knocking Cockles down. Nick Vedder, now old and feeble, realizing that the end is near, betroths Meenie and Henderick. Von Beekman, at the punishment of his nephew, tells Gretchen that he is going to turn Nick Vedder and his family into the street. He goes to the inn, but is stopped from entering by Meenie, who tells him that Nick has passed away. Henderick, who cannot make the inn pay, decides to go with his uncle on a whaling voyage. He leaves Meenie heartbroken, and departs on the whaling boat. After a time the ship is wrecked and Henderick is cast on an island from which he is eventually rescued. Von Beekman and Cockles force themselves on Meenie and Gretchen. Gretchen finally decides to marry von Beekman to gain wealth. Upon hearing the news of Hendrik's death, she is fatally stricken. Time passes and Rip is still in slumberland. Cockles, still anxious to marry Meenie, urges his uncle to force her into marriage. Meanwhile Hendrik thinks that his child sweetheart is still waiting for him. Rip has now awakened from his slumber and finds everything changed. He cannot realize that he has been asleep but for one night. He returns to the village of Fallen Waters. On making inquiries, he is told that Meenie is to be married to Cockles. When he explains that he is Rip Van Winkle, he is looked upon as a crazy hermit. The wedding is about to take place. Henderick returns in time to prevent the marriage. Knocking Cockles down, he seizes Meenie and rushes from the church. On the way home they see an old man. Having compassion on him, they hurry him home. He realizes where he is and explains that he once had a little girl Meenie, and that he is Rip Van Winkle. Meenie tells him that she is Meenie Van Winkle and that her father went away twenty years ago and never returned. Rip looks into her face and recognizes his daughter. In the meantime, the people from the church have come to the house and attempt to come in. Henderick holds them back, but Rip, remembering the paper von Beekman wanted him to sign, tells Henderick to let him in. The paper proves that the property belongs to Rip. Cockles and Derrick both realize that they have lost everything, as Rip orders them from the house. The crowd, learning that Derrick has caused Rip's trouble, stone the two villains from the village. Meenie offers her father a stimulant, but he refuses at first but finally consents to drink his famous toast: "Here's to your health and your family; may they live long and prosper." The scene fades from this happy reunion to Mr. Jefferson finishing the works of his beloved father.
- The Russian Czar sends his trusted confidant, Michael Strogoff, to warn his brother the Grand Duke of a Tartar rebellion that will be led by Feofar Khan and Ivan Ogareff. Calling himself Nicholas Korpanoff, Strogoff poses as a trader to journey to warn the Grand Duke. On his way he meets Nadia Fedorova, a young girl trying to join her father Wassili, a political activist who has been exiled to Siberia. Strogoff is captured by the Tartars, who don't believe he is a trader and threaten to torture Strogoff's mother Marfa unless he reveals his true identity.
- Mrs. Wiggs, a loving mother whose husband has abandoned her, supports her many children and lives in hope of her husband's return.
- The earl of Dorincourt is a descendant of a long line of illustrious ancestors whose escutcheon has never been stained by dishonor of any kind. His oldest son and heir, Bevis, grows up to be a dissolute and weak-willed wastrel, while his second son, Maurice, an idle spendthrift, is little better. Only the third son, Cedric Errol, inherits the good qualities of his father. The worthlessness of his heir is the cause of great grief to the Earl. The reflection that the Earldom will descend to one who will drag the honored name of Dorincourt in the mire is so galling that it usurps every other thought in his mind. For this reason the good qualities of his gentle youngest son irritates him, and in order to get the young fellow out of his sight he sends him to America. About the same time, Bevis, tired of the dissipations of London and Paris, goes to New York in search of fresh sensations. Here he is entrapped into marriage by Minna, an adventuress, who had deserted her husband. Bevis does not know of this, neither is he aware that she has a child whom she has put out of the way by leaving it in charge of some low-class friends of hers. At home, Maurice, the second son, plunges heavily on the turf. At one race he backs the favorites and loses a very large sum. In the meantime, Cedric has married a charming American girl, and with wife and baby enjoys the delights of a happy home. But his father is prejudiced against Americans, and is convinced that Cedric has been entrapped by "a vulgar money-loving American woman." He therefore writes a letter in which he stops the allowance he has regularly sent his son. Soon after this, Maurice, the second son, meets with a fatal hunting accident in England. Four years elapse. Cedric, never robust, is now in the grip of a wasting and incurable malady. In a pathetic scene, he calls his little son to him and bids him always look after his mother. Soon after this he dies. Bevis at this time is living a fast life in Italy with Minna. As the result of his intemperance he has a sudden stroke and falls back in a fit, in which, in a few minutes, he expires. Minna wastes no time over tears, but instantly makes plans to feather her own nest. She writes to the Earl asking for funds and claiming the title of Lady Dorincourt. The old nobleman, in spite of the blows dealt him by misfortune in the deaths of all his sons, instructs his lawyer, Mr. Havisham, to fetch young Cedric, now little Lord Fauntleroy, and heir to the Earldom, from America. Little Cedric Errol is about six years old he has never forgotten his promise to his dead father to look after his mother. Despite the Dorincourt blood in him, Cedric has none of that empty and selfish pride which mars his grandfather's character. He has made friends with everyone, and his particular chums are Mr. Hobbs, an elderly grocer; Dick, a bootblack, and his mother's Irish cook, Bridget. Mr. Havisham calls on Mrs. Errol and tells her the latter's conditions with regard to Cedric, namely, that he is to live alone with his grandfather, though at the house he will provide for her; she is to be allowed an occasional visit from him. Mrs. Errol has just learned that, owing to misappropriation of funds, her small income has almost entirely vanished, and she realizes that it will be quite impossible for her to bring up her boy in the way he should be brought up. Parting from him will be a terrible wrench, but for his sake she conquers her natural reluctance with the thought, "My husband would wish it." Cedric is sent for and introduced to Mr. Havisham, who is surprised and delighted with him, and tells him that the Earl has instructed him to satisfy any immediate wish that he (Cedric) may have. Cedric tells of the troubles of Bridget, the cook, who cannot afford medical attendance for her invalid husband. Mr. Havisham gives him money and he rushes down to the kitchen and relieves Bridget's wants. Later, Cedric, learning that he is to live alone with the Earl, remonstrates but is won over by his mother, who dilates on the many good qualities of the Earl. Mrs. Errol and Cedric, escorted by Mr. Havisham, arrive at Dorincourt Towers. Cedric with his faculty of making instant friends gets upon good terms with a huge Newfoundland dog, which takes to him at once. The Earl unwillingly consents to see his son's widow. She delivers an unfinished letter that his son wrote him before dying, also a photograph of the young man. The old man's emotion masters him as he gazes at the photograph of the only one of his sons who had not disgraced him. To hide his feelings he blusters at Mrs. Errol, who retires with dignity after requesting permission to bid good-bye to her boy, Cedric, with that frankness which is one of his most attractive characteristics, introduces himself to the Earl, who watches him with interest, and is affected at the child's likeness to his father. Cedric, looking through the window, sees Higgins, a tenant of the estate, pleading with the butler on the lawn for permission to see the Earl. He calls the latter's attention. The old man, desiring to find out how his grandson will act, asks Cedric to call Higgins in. He then introduces Higgins to him, explaining that he has a wife and several children, all of whom have been ill. Little Lord Fauntleroy shakes Higgins by the hand sympathetically, and learning that he is worried over paying his rent, gets permission from the Earl to write to his agent telling him not to interfere with Higgins. Dinner is announced. Cedric notices that the Earl rises in pain, and offers his shoulder, saying, "Lean on me. Grandpa." The old man, desiring to test his pluck, does so; they exit. The fierce old man takes to the boy, and can hardly bear him out of his sight. One day, after returning from some riding lessons, he enters the library, where the Earl is reading a document. The little fellow is evidently worried and he lies at full length on the rug in a thoughtful attitude. Asked what he is thinking of, he responds, "I am thinking of mother." The Earl, realizing the child's love for his mother, makes her, through him, a present of a brougham. Cedric, in delight, is driven off to fetch her, and takes her for a happy drive. All this time the adventuress, Minna, has been preparing a pretty little plot. Her plans being ready, she appears with her child at Dorincourt Towers. Producing her marriage license in proof that she was actually wedded to Bevis, she boldly announces that her son is the issue of that union, and that she claims for him the title of Lord Fauntleroy. Her manner is insolent and boastful, but the Earl, though he orders her from the house, feels that she has a strong case, and is full of gloomy foreboding. The old man now realizes his love for his grandson, and the thought of seeing another take his place as little Lord Fauntleroy nearly breaks his heart. He instructs Mr. Havisham to contest Minna's claim. The case excites much interest in the papers. One account, containing Minna's photograph, finds its way to New York, and is seen by Dick Tipton, Cedric's bootboy friend, who recognizes in it the likeness of the runaway wife of his brother, Ben. On the advice of Mr. Hobbs, he sends the newspaper cutting to Ben, who determines to leave the "Wild West," where he has made his pile, and proceed to England to regain possession of his little son. Mr. Hobbs precedes him there, and calling on the Earl, offers his entire savings towards the expense of fighting for Cedric's rights. The old nobleman is deeply touched at such disinterestedness, though he does not find it necessary to avail himself of it. In honor of Cedric's eighth birthday his grandfather gives a fete to the tenants of the estate, to which Mrs. Errol and Mr. Hobbs are invited guests. In the midst of the merry-making, Minna, accompanied by her offspring, forces her way into the grounds, bent on making a scene. She is extremely insolent to the Earl, but her tirade is interrupted by the dramatic arrival of her husband, Ben, who exposes the fraudulency of her case and claims his son. The Earl invites Mrs. Errol to take up her residence permanently under his roof, and thus peace and happiness come to Dorincourt at last.
- Franti, an organ grinder of the poor districts of New York, has a daughter, Isola, who sings to his street piano's accompaniment. Andrea, a worthless son, and a member of the notorious "Red Galvin Gang," is a great burden on his father and sister. Nathan Marden, a wealthy banker, is attracted by the wonderful voice of Isola, the street singer, as is his son Charles Marden. Andrea, the worthless son, upon refusal of his continual demand for money, is overheard complaining by the gang, who send his father a black-hand letter, threatening destruction if their demands are refused. Charles Marden, unable to forget the street singer's wonderful voice and attractive appearance, solicits his friend David Mantz, a vocal instructor, to help him find the unknown artist. Mantz locates Isola and offers her vocal training, but her father will not hear of it, and she reluctantly declines. Franti, refusing the demands of the black banders, is killed by a bomb, and Isola and Andrea left alone divide their meager inheritance. After her father's death, Isola goes to Mantz and accepts his offer, not knowing that Charles Marden is interested, and is later on sent to Paris to continue her studies with Jean De Resni. The story of her entrance to the Paris opera stage, the longed-for opportunity and her success and popularity, are cleverly told on the screen. Charles Marden is present the night of Isola's debut. Enthusiastic over her success, he arranges a dinner party in celebration, and afterward, having partaken a bit too freely, he forces his attentions on Isola, and finally brutally tells her that she owes him everything for her success. Brokenhearted on learning this, she moves, leaving no trace. Meanwhile an offer has been received for her for the Metro Opera of New York. Every nook and corner of Paris are searched and she is finally located in poverty, singing at a cabaret entertainment. She returns to America, and at her debut at the Metro Opera House, Charles Marden endeavors to see her. and meets with refusal. His efforts later on are successful, and love shows the way to a happy marriage. Nathan Marden, the father, refuses his permission, but with the coming of Nathan Marden the second, the happy grandfather forgives. In the meanwhile, the worthless brother, Andrea, goes from bad to worse, and having located Isola by chance, demands money. Later urged by Red Galvin, the gangster, they plot to rob the home of Nathan Marden, Sr., who is killed in the robbery. Galvin is arrested, but Andrea, although wounded, makes his escape. He sends for his sister, and she, while searching for a bandage, discovers a scarf pin which connects Andrea with the robbery. Charles Marden suspects the frequent absence of his wife while nursing her brother, and traces her to Andrea's room where, misunderstanding the situation, he denounces her. He takes their son and leaves home, vowing never to return. Later, he reads of the death of Andrea Franti, and learns that he is Isola's brother, whereupon their love returns to build for future happiness.
- The members of a Pittsburgh family are trying to break into society through the million dollars obtained by their father's selling his business to the Steel Trust. They move to New York, establish themselves in a Fifth Avenue residence, and backed by the father's money endeavor to penetrate New York society. The mother in her ambition engages a bogus French nobleman to teach herself and her daughters the French language. This Frenchman is in reality one of a group of crooks. The elder daughter at Durland's meets a young riding master named Fitzgerald, and it is a case of love at first sight. The young riding master is in reality Lord Fitzmaurice, son of an old English family. The younger daughter is desperately fond of John Willing, who has been her father's manager in his Pittsburgh business and who has been established in the bank that her father presides over in New York City. The family decides to make a trip to England. Just before they leave, the French teacher is given a check for $75 in payment for his lessons and he in connection with the other two members of his band raises this check to $75,000 and gets it cashed while the Pipps are on the liner bound for Europe. John Willing and young Fitzmaurice meet and learn of each other's feelings towards the two Pipp girls. Willing suspects that the check is bad and gets in touch with Mr. Pipp by cable. On learning that the check is a forgery, he engages Pinkerton to assist in recovering the $75,000, and young Fitzmaurice decides to accompany them. Mrs. Pipp has a letter of introduction to Lady Viola, the mother of young Fitzgerald, and the Pipps go to her home for a visit. Pinkerton and the two young men arrive in England shortly and also go to the Fitzmaurice home. The young Lord gets his mother and the servants to keep his identity a secret and many tine scenes of mistaken identity and cross purposes are the result. The crooks are finally located in Paris and the Pipps, accompanied by Pinkerton, go there. Two of the band try to steal a valuable tiara from Mrs. Pipp, and one of them. Count Charmarot, attempts the life of Mr. Pipp with poison thinking that with him out of the way there is an opportunity for him to make love to and marry the impressionable Mrs. Pipp. Pinkerton, with the assistance of the French Prefect of Police, blocks their plans and brings about their arrest. Mrs. Pipp, realizing the mistake she has made, begs Mr. Pipp to take her back to Pittsburgh. The love affairs of the young people are successfully carried on and end in happy marriages.
- Eleanor Mannering, an American girl living abroad at the home of her cousin, Jessica Mannering, chooses Prince Carl of Noyodna from among her titled suitors and marries him. As they start on their wedding trip they meet with an automobile accident and Eleanor is injured. Baron Von Steinberck, prime minister of Noyodna, arrives at Jessica Mannering's house shortly after the Prince and Princess have left it. He has a message for Prince Carl calling on him to return at once to his capital as his father, the King, is at the point of death. He learns that the Prince has just started on his wedding journey. Accompanied by Dr. McKenzie and one of the Prince's advisers, Von Aldorz, the prime minister, follows Prince Carl and Eleanor. They arrive on the scene of the auto wreck. The Prince leaves at once for Noyodna, after placing his wife in the hands of Dr. McKenzie and Von Aldorz. Back at Jessica's home, Princess Eleanor develops amnesia and remembers nothing that happened before the accident. In delirium her memory partially returns. She calls for her husband piteously, though it is evident that she has forgotten his appearance and personality. Dr. McKenzie and Von Aldorz decide that she has one chance of regaining her reason. A man must appear at her bedside posing as her husband. Mallory, a lover of adventure, and a daredevil, is selected for the role of the bogus Prince. Mallory is presented to the Princess. She falls in love with him at sight and he with her. She believes that he is, as she has been told, the Prince, her husband. The real Prince returns unexpectedly and finds his wife in Mallory's arms. Von Steinberck wishes to rid the Prince of his morganatic wife and abducts her. Prince Carl's father had died and Carl is now King. Mallory sees the abduction and follows. Prince Carl learns of it, too, and pursues with Dr. McKenzie and Von Aldorz. The Princess is carried by Steinberck to a deserted castle. Mallory gets into the castle, followed by the Prince and his group. There is a battle with pistols, during which Steinberck wounds Mallory and kills Prince Carl. Eleanor is freed. Her love for Mallory turns to resentment when she hears of the deception. But Mallory is now hovering between life and death. In his delirium he calls for Eleanor just as she did for a dimly-remembered husband. Dr. McKenzie tells her that her presence at Mallory's bedside alone can save Mallory's life. As she kneels beside the Irish adventurer and calls him by name; he smiles in recognition. The picture fades out with them in each other's arms.
- Shore Acres was left to Nathaniel and Martin Berry by their mother. Nathaniel has taken care of his younger brother Martin, who was a child when their mother died, and deeded over his share of the farm to Martin and went to join the rebellion when he found that they both loved the same girl--and she seemed to show a preference toward Martin. On Nathaniel's return home he again took up his work on the farm, and also as custodian to what was known as Berry Light, the lighthouse off the coast of Maine. Martin, the younger brother, a good man at heart, but easily influenced, is approached by Josiah Blake to mortgage the farm, and with the proceeds to cut it up into building lots to be used as a summer colony. The many "air castles" that he builds in Martin's mind finally gain the latter's consent. Blake also tries to win Martin's daughter Helen, better known as Nell, and Martin, thinking it advantageous to have Blake in the family, gives his consent. Nell is in love with Sam Warner, a young physician of the town. Warner is thinking of going west to grow up with the country, and Helen pleads with him to take her along. She appeals to her uncle Nat, who has always looked upon her as his baby, and he advises her going with Sam. Blake suspects that an elopement is imminent and hints to Helen's father at Sam's departure, in a way that sets him to thinking and poisons his mind. Martin starts out to find his daughter. His first visit is to Sam's office, discovering the place dismantled, he now believes Blake's story and starts for the shore, gun in hand, intent on killing Sam. He gets there just in time to see the young couple embarking on Captain Ben Wilson's boat. He, by this time, has been wrought to such a state of mind that he would stop at nothing. He makes for the light house just as a storm is blowing up. As he enters the light house, he sees his brother Nathaniel about to fill the lamp and light it to guide the boats through safety during the storm. He points the gun at his brother and threatens to kill him if he attempts to light the lamp. There a fight ensues and Nathaniel gains possession of the gun, and rushes to the light house tower and lights the lamp. During this time the boat with Sam and Helen on has been tossing about on the rough waters. When the rays from the light house are seen by those on the boat, they are much relieved to find that they have miraculously escaped the reefs. There is a lapse of a year and a half. The picture shows Christmas Eve in the old homestead. Martin, who has always felt reproachful for his treatment towards Nell, is sitting at a table quietly thinking of the past, while the children are jumping around the room in happy anticipation of what Santa Claus is bringing them. Nat steals into the kitchen, sends the children to bed, and asks Martin to help him fill their stockings. Martin goes about it half-heartedly at first, but gradually enters into it with the holiday spirit. Nat then leaves the room and reappears with Nell, Sam, and the baby. Martin is overjoyed at the reunion.
- Gerald Fitzgerald, Earl of Kildare, whose estates are down-at-heel and out-at-elbows, owing to the improvidence of his ancestors, is known as "the ragged earl." Though creditors press and bailiffs threaten, he meets his problems with a laugh, trusting to a kind providence and his solicitors in Dublin to provide for his future. It had been the plan of Gerald's father that he marry a wealthy cousin, but the young Earl had always thought of marriage as a necessary evil in the life of every man, to be put off as long as possible. He heartily disapproved of a marriage prearranged. Bills have been piling up, however, and when he calls upon his solicitors for a remittance, he is surprised to receive a letter from them, enclosing the sum of twenty-three pounds, which is all that remains of the quarterly rent collection from the estate. In the letter, his solicitors respectfully suggest that it would be well for him to consider an early marriage with his cousin, in accordance with his father's wishes. Though he dislikes the idea, Gerald is forced to admit that it is the only means of saving the ancestral estates. At the nearby castle live Sir Henry Hardcastle, his mother, Mrs. Fitzmaurice, and her stepdaughters, Kathleen and Una. Sir Henry is also in financial difficulties, and aided by his mother, is endeavoring to persuade Kathleen to marry Lord Wildbrook, a wealthy old roué, who is willing to pay Sir Henry handsomely for his influence with the girl. Kathleen is heartbroken at the prospect, and after a stormy scene with her step-brother, disguises herself as a boy, and runs away, taking Una with her. In the morning Sir Henry discovers their flight, and sends one of his retainers, Ralph Forrester, after them. Ralph overtakes them, and is about to force them to return, when Gerald, who has heard Kathleen's screams, appears. He drives Ralph off, and takes the two girls to Kilkare Castle, never suspecting that Kathleen is other than she appears, a very handsome boy. At the castle Kathleen's manner arouses the suspicions of Sarah McHugh, the motherly old woman who had been Gerald's nurse, and who still thinks him a mere boy, in need of her protection and advice. She discovers Kathleen's true sex, but, greatly attracted by the girl, promises to keep it a secret from Gerald. The Ragged Earl has decided to contract the marriage with his cousin and writes a letter to his aunt, requesting permission to call upon them in Dublin. This letter falls into the hands of Ralph, who has been sent by Wildbrook and Sir Henry to kidnap the girls, with promises of a large reward if he succeeds. Ralph manages to reach Kathleen and shows her the letter. Gerald has already awakened her love, and when she sees this evidence of his intention to marry, she agrees to return with Ralph. That night she steals from the castle, with the sleeping Una in her arms, and returns to her step-brother's house. When Gerald learns of their departure, he makes a formal call upon Sir Henry, inquiring for "Edward," the name under which Kathleen has posed as a boy, but is told that "there is no such person as Edward in the castle." He is forced to accept this as the truth, and, believing that Kathleen has gone elsewhere, he returns to Kilkea. There he tells Sarah of his failure, and she, suspecting the truth, goes to Hardcastle's, where she sees Kathleen. She tells Gerald that the boy is there, and he dashes off with Larry and Patrick, two of his retainers, to rescue "Edward." When he arrives, he scales the balcony to the great hall of the castle, where he finds Kathleen in her true person. When he realizes that the "beautiful boy" is really an even more beautiful girl, he is determined to rescue her. He succeeds in abducting Wildbrook. and in getting Kathleen out of the castle in the care of Larry and Patrick, but his own escape is cut off by Ralph Forrester and Sir Henry. In the fight which follows, Gerald is disarmed. He is at the mercy of Sir Henry's blade when he spies a suit of ancient armor supported by a huge two-handed sword. He overturns tables and chairs in Sir Henry's path, reaches the armor and secures the sword. Fighting off his opponents, he manages to cut his way through the great window and escape. Gerald's retainers and peasants have been aroused by Sarah, and have come to his assistance. A fierce battle is in progress between his men and the Hardcastle retainers. The clubs of Gerald's forces are no match for the Hardcastle swords, however, and his men are slowly beaten off. Kathleen is enraptured by Sir Henry, and is taken to the castle. Gerald escapes and is returning to Kilkea, discouraged, when he overtakes Wildbrook, who is fleeing in terror. He conceives a plan and in a secluded spot he forces Wildbrook to change clothes with him. Then he returns to Sir Henry's castle. He learns that Kathleen has been taken to a neighboring church, and that a servant has been sent to find Wildbrook. in order that the marriage may take place at once. Believing Gerald to be the old Lord, the servant tells him to hurry to the church. He reaches the chapel, and manages to disclose his real identity to Kathleen and the priest. Kathleen of course agrees to the marriage, much to the surprise of Sir Henry. As the party leaves the church, Lord Wildbrook, dressed in Gerald's clothes, stumbles in. In the darkness he is mistaken for Gerald, and is nearly killed by Ralph before he can make himself known. When his identity is learned, Gerald is made a prisoner, but is saved by Mrs. Fitzmaurice, who arrives, declaring that he has fairly won Kathleen. She gives her blessing to the Earl and Countess of Kildare.
- 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.
- Madeline De Valette is betrothed to her father's cousin, Raoul De Valette, arrangements having been made when she was but a child. Valette requests his cousin's presence at his home to be presented to his fiancée. Raoul has been carrying on a love affair with L'Acadienne, a beautiful Creole who loves him devotedly. Much against his wishes, he is compelled to leave L'Acadienne. In spite of her pleadings and threats, he sets out for the Valette home. Her jealousy prompts her to follow Raoul and disclose their love affair to his fiancée's father, and thus prevent the marriage. Madeline is in the springtime of her youth. She is fully aware of her coming marriage with Raoul, but the realization of what it means does not occur to her. She has been rehearsed daily to prepare for her first meeting with her fiancé. Raoul finally arrives at the Valette home. Although disappointed, she accepts Raoul, as a duty to her father, whose earnest wish is that she shall marry a Val De Valette. At this time the United States is at war, and there is a call for volunteers. Wolf, a backwoodsman, has been recruiting a company of citizens to help Andrew Jackson to fight the enemy at New Orleans. Gilbert Seele, whose father owns the estate adjoining the Valette's has enlisted, unbeknown to his father, who has opposed his going away. Gilbert's father, who has purchased most of the Valette property, learning of Valette's poverty, desires to buy the Valette home. In spite of their previous business transactions, Valette and Steele are not on friendly terms. Steele sends Gilbert to Valette to negotiate the sale of Valette's home. While there. Gilbert meets Madeline. He immediately falls in love with her, and she, in her innocence returns it. Valette is angry at Gilbert for daring to expect love from a lady who was already betrothed. He also refuses to listen to Steele's proposition to buy his home. Gilbert is ordered from the house, enraged at the harsh treatment accorded him. Madeline, who fears that Gilbert is angry at her, runs after him to explain. She is unable to overtake him, but the thought of never seeing him again terrifies her and she continues to follow Gilbert. Gilbert is to join the recruits at sundown. He secretly leaves home, and Madeline, arriving there, finds him gone, but she does not give up her march. In the meantime. L'Acadienne has arrived, and meeting Raoul, she threatens to expose him. Raoul manages to persuade her to remain silent by telling her that his marriage with Madeline will not part them. This satisfies her. Raoul, seeing his opportunity for breaking the betrothal, asserts that Valette could not expect him to marry Madeline now. Valette allows him to depart. He is immediately joined by L'Acadienne and they return to New Orleans. Madeline's condition is serious. Her mind is afflicted by the shock, but her father does not relent, declaring that her condition is her punishment. Crawley's report is soon found to be false for Gilbert, Wolf and the recruits return. They have been victorious. Crawley, fearing Wolf's and the people's wrath, seeks aid from Father O'Mara, who promptly hands him over to Wolf and the people who are searching for him. Crawley receives a just punishment. Gilbert learns of Madeline's condition, and efforts are made to recover her reason. A plan is decided on, the result of which causes Madeline's recovery. Valette, learning the real facts, offers his sanction to the betrothal of Madeline and Gilbert.