Plot

The Escott family, on their way to Montana, is attacked by Indians. Army Lt. Joe Lanier afterwards finds little Elsie Escott, the only survivor, and brings her to his mother, who takes in the girl and raises her. Joe later leaves the army and becomes a successful miner, and over the years as he sees Elsie grow into a woman, he falls in love with her. Soon, however, a handsome stranger named Bob Stanton becomes his rival for Elsie's affections, and when Joe becomes jealous Elsie gets angry and makes plans to elope with Stanton. However, a war with Spain complicates everything.—frankfob2@yahoo.com

Unsuccessful in his business career in the east, Mr. Escott decides to settle in Montana with his wife and little daughter, Elsie. While traveling toward their destination they camp for the night and little Elsie wanders off picking flowers. A band of Indians attack the party, kills Escott and his wife, and then set fire to the wagon, after which they ride off. Shortly after little Elsie returns, and finds he parents slain. Lieut. Joe Lanier has been out scouting with a party of his men, and, seeing the fire in the distance, inquires what the trouble is. He discovers the child weeping over the dead bodies of her parents, and takes her up in his arms, brings her home to his mother, who takes the child under her care and protection. Lieut. Lanier gives up his command and becomes a very successful miner. Elsie grows into a charming, lovable young girl, and Joe falls deeply in love with her. A stranger named Bob Stanton, from the city, visits the town, and also seems attracted to Elsie, and she is much flattered by his attentions. Joe warns her against Bob Stanton, but the girl indignantly resents his interference. As war is declared against Spain, Joe decides to re-enlist in the service, fully convinced that his love for Elsie is hopeless. Stanton persuades Elsie to elope with him, and his scheme is almost successful when Elsie discovers that he has had a former love affair with another woman. She then realizes her mistake, and when she learns that Joe Lanier is going to the Philippines, she awakens the fact that she loves him deeply, and decides to follow him and confess this. Willie Live, a young war correspondent, assists her in many ways, and the result is that the party embark on the transport "The City of Pekin," bound for the Orient. Elsie is disguised as a young volunteer, unknown to Joe, who has been made captain of his company. Stanton belongs to the same regiment, and in his enmity against Joe Lanier has him sent through the enemies' line to defend Block House No. 7. Joe's force is not sufficient to withstand the repeated attacks of the enemy, and he requests reinforcements. General Lawton sends a messenger to Joe, stating that reinforcements arc on their way, and selects Elsie, still disguised as a soldier, to carry his message. After encountering numerous dangers and hair-breadth escapes, Elsie and Willie Live reach the Block House with encouragement for the besieged men, and Joe recognizes her. She explains why she has followed him in spite of every obstacle, and they are happily united. The Filipinos attack the fort and almost overcome the small band of heroic Americans, when aid comes to their rescue and the enemy is put to flight with the star-spangled banner waving over Block House No. 7.—Moving Picture World synopsis