STORY

Frank Herrod is a detective with a conscience; Irene Morris, a stenographer for Oliver Morton, an unscrupulous mining promoter. She and her little sister, “Billie,” live with Mrs. Benson” a motherly old lady whose only means of support is the board she receives from them. Billie has a puppy she calls “Baby.” One day, furious at a proposition made to him by a client, Frank throws himself into a chair by the window. His frown changes to a smile as he looks across a narrow areaway and sees Irene working at her typewriter. She glances up and, seeing him smiling at her, is annoyed and pulls down the shade. Mrs. Benson, with a child-like faith in the advertised richness of Morton’s mine, sends him her scanty savings to invest. He chuckles in satisfaction and, handing the latter to Irene, tells her to mail a receipt. Irene knows Mrs. Benson and, for her friend’s sake, asks Morton if the mining property is all right. He declares that it is, but his manner increases her suspicions and he sees that she does not believe him. He becomes angry and discharges her. Frank, anxious to make her acquaintance, pretends to be interested in mining stock and goes to the office. She passes him as he enters. He secures some circulars and leaves. Morton learns that Frank is a detective and begins to get nervous. Irene tells Mrs. Benson of her suspicions and sends her to Frank for advice. Morton sees her with Frank, and his fears are increased. Frank sees him watching from behind the curtain, and in order to catch him napping, says to her in a loud voice, “I will investigate the matter tomorrow.” He then slips over to Morton’s office after calling up the police station and giving them a description of Morton. He catches Morton just as he is about to flee with his ill-gotten gains. Morton tries to bluff but caves in when he is confronted with the receipt. He gladly pays back the money and Frank allows him to go. He hurries away but is unexpectedly nabbed by the cop waiting for him outside. Frank goes to Mrs. Benson’s to pay the money over to her and finds Irene there. He is introduced to her and is overjoyed. Billie has gone to the store on an errand and calls up the house. The ‘phone bell rings, and Irene answers it. Frank’s happiness is changed to consternation and despair as he hears Irene say, “All right, Billie dear, hurry home; baby wants you.” He is about to leave, his dream shattered, when the little sister returns and is introduced as “Billie.” Hope is born again but he is still mystified. Irene guesses the reason for his actions and in a spirit of mischief says, “Don’t go till you have seen ‘Baby.'” She goes out and return with a basket and to his astonishment, he gazes upon a cunning little puppy. In great relief and joy he grabs and hugs the puppy and Irene smiles at him as the scene fades.
Written By: Moving Picture World