Plot

"More radical than this was the Katipunan, to secure independence by open revolt and began by wholesale assassinations of Spanish officials and friars." August 25th, 1896. The leaders were Pedro Bonifacio and Emil Aguinaldo. Pedro Bonifacio has lived in San Francisco for years. His wealth comes from an extensive plantation in the Philippines. Fernando, the son, is a dissolute young man. Onda, his supposed sister, tries to reform him. He dislikes interference and hates Onda. Pedro, dying, confesses to his son how in Manila he was the servant of Gen. Lopes De Ayale; how, when the revolution of 1896 broke out he secretly aided the rebels, admitting them to the house, where De Ayale was assassinated; how he stole papers, heirlooms and other means of falsifying his identity, while the rebels looted and burned the house; how he rescue De Ayale's little daughter from the flames and escaped to America; how he forged a will in which the plantation was left to him and the proceeds from the estate has been paid to him ever since; how the real will was engraved on a dagger; he has the dagger, but the key, the scabbard, is in Manila, having been taken by Aldo, De Ayale's servant. Pedro confesses this as his conscience troubles him and he wishes to make amends before he dies. The son promises to see that Onda is restored to her rights, but it is far from his intentions to be reduced to poverty while the girl inherits wealth. Onda comes to the bedside of her supposed father to hear him gasp out: "The dagger contains the secret of your parentage; also the will to your inheritance. The scabbard is in Manila, a Moro named Aldo has it. It is the key, your father's name was ..." He falls back dead. Onda takes the dagger and resolves to go to Manila. Then Fernando, with the aid of some criminal companions, resolves to trap her in Chinatown, secure the dagger and kill her. The plan is frustrated by Colonel Renton. Another attempt is made on Onda's life as she is about to board the steamer. Failing in this attempt, Fernando and his companions take passage in the boat. On the trip Renton and Onda develop a strong attachment for each other. On the boat is also Aldo, who has come to America on a mission of revenge. He has seen Pedro die, has followed the son and supposed daughter. Many mysterious events occur on ship board; the dagger is stolen from Onda and is later found buried in the breast of Fernando's female companion. Fernando is thrown overboard and is drowned. Aldo is about to kill Onda when he is discovered and arrested by the ship's officers. He then confesses his attempt to revenge his master, discovers that Onda is the daughter of his old master and restores to her the scabbard. The knife is fitted and the cipher will read. Onda is restored to her rights and marries Reston.—Moving Picture World synopsis