- Framed by police inspector Finch and his managing editor, R. H. Steadman, to cover up their own crooked work, reporter John Mull languishes in prison until he escapes, determined to wreak vengeance. In Mull's absence, his sweetheart, Bess Miller, has been dating Burton Grange with whom she plans to elope. When Grange has an altercation with Steadman, in the scuffle, Steadman is knocked unconscious. Grange flees and is arrested for Steadman's murder but escapes and encounters Mull, now a fugitive from justice. After persuading Grange to give himself up, Mull pays a visit to Finch and forces him to confess to Steadman's murder. With Finch's testimony, Mull is also vindicated of charges and is free to marry Bess.
- John Mull, reporter of Steadman's Chronicle, is in love with Steadman's ward, Bess Miller. His rival is Burton Grange, son of the District Attorney. Mull collects material which aids Steadman to forward a grafting scheme, is made "the goat" and sent to prison. Steadman keeps the real evidence, thus holding a club over Inspector Finch. Mull takes advantage of his first opportunity to escape. On the same day Grange has asked Steadman's consent to marry Bess and was rebuffed. The sweethearts determine to elope. Mull makes his way to his home, and takes an automatic pistol. Going to Steadman's home Mull is discovered. A policeman shoots from Mull's hand the pistol he is about to use, and Mull gets away. Steadman is alone in his study. Grange arrives. When Steadman hears a noise he runs and engages Grange in a struggle. Grange knocks Steadman out. Despite his belief that he has murdered Steadman, the young man proceeds with his plan to elope. When officers arrive the policeman has turned in, following his shot at Mull. The one in charge is Inspector Finch. Steadman is dead, and from a link of a watch chain, coupled with other evidence, Grange is associated with the crime. The railroad agent discloses the destination of the eloping pair, and Grange is arrested. After a series of adventures, Grange is brought into Steadman's library and put through "the third degree" by Inspector Finch. He confesses he struck Steadman. Finch hurries home, conveying a tin box containing the evidence Steadman has held over his head. While scanning the evidence Mull breaks into the Finch home, gets the drop on the Inspector and appropriates the box and Mull handcuffs Finch and drags him to the Steadman home, where the crime is being investigated. Mull reaps vengeance for his humiliation. He. puts Finch through one of his own "third degrees" and a confession is wrung from Finch that he killed Steadman.
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