John Crane, a miner, refuses to be cowed by Jenkins, the bully of the mine, but makes the mistake of being seen intoxicated. Jenkins tells the foreman and Crane is discharged. Later, there is an explosion in the mine. Crane, because of his...See moreJohn Crane, a miner, refuses to be cowed by Jenkins, the bully of the mine, but makes the mistake of being seen intoxicated. Jenkins tells the foreman and Crane is discharged. Later, there is an explosion in the mine. Crane, because of his discharge, is suspected of having caused the explosion and on Jenkins's perjured testimony is convicted and sentenced to life imprisonment. Jenkins becomes foreman of the mine. The shock of the sudden turn in fortune is too much for Mrs. Crane and after struggling bravely she gives up the fight and passes away. Her little boy is now homeless, but Vance Wilkins, a kindly neighbor, adopts him. The boy soon becomes known only by the name of his foster father, who, after he has finished his primary schooling, sends him to college to take a course in mine engineering. The young man returns after several years and is appointed chief engineer of the mine by Jenkins, who has secured control of the property. Because of his good behavior during the twenty-five years he has served in prison, Crane, now an old man, is pardoned. But he can find no work and after repeated attempts to be committed back to prison he breaks into a house. It develops that Jenkins has given Wilkins the position as chief engineer for a purpose because one day while Mrs. Wilkins is alone in her home Jenkins calls. The woman orders him out. He refuses and Mrs. Wilkins secures a revolver. Jenkins struggles with her for possession of the weapon and it explodes. Jenkins falls, mortally wounded. This is the house into which Crane has forced his way and as soon as he bears the shot he hurries into the room. Instantly he recognizes the wounded man. A physician is summoned and the young engineer advised by his wife. Wilkins and the doctor arrive together and as soon as Jenkins is able to speak he makes haste, to ease his conscience and unfolds a story which clears the name of the ex-convict and, incidentally, proves the relationship between Crane and Wilkins. Jenkins begs to be forgiven and after the trio have done so, he smiles upon the reunited family and dies. Written by
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