STORY

Herbert is shown with his invalid mother, the only person in the world whom he loves. Herbert is a bank clerk. His earnings are small. When the doctor informs him the only way to save his mother’s life is for her to undergo an operation, he becomes desperate. There is no borrowing or begging the money; he sees his only chance is in the bank. He becomes an embezzler. The shortage in his accounts is discovered. He escapes and flees. The detectives are hot on his trail. Learning of the affair, Herbert’s mother dies of grief. Herbert, trying to evade arrest, sneaks through the alleys and finally climbs a fire escape. He enters the room of Anna, a chorus girl. Anna has contracted consumption and lost her position. Having only a few dollars left, and being unable to pay her rent, she has been ordered out of her rooms. It is immediately following this that the young embezzler comes into her life through the window. Anna listens to the young man’s story. Her pity and sympathy are excited. She takes her last few cents and goes to buy food for the boy. It is this last act which finally breaks down Herbert’s nerve; he decides to give himself up, to sacrifice himself, so Anna may be able to get the $300 reward out for his arrest. A detective is in the alley below. Tying a note to a lump of sugar. Herbert throws it to the detective. The note tells him to follow the girl. As the girl enters the room followed by the detective, Herbert manages to slip a revolver into her hand. The arrest is successfully made. Anna, surprised and worried, gets the reward. Two years later Herbert is released. Anna is at the gate to meet him. ready to join her life with his and seek a new life in the open west. They pass out together.
Written By: Moving Picture World