A Man's Work

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Thomas Wilberton, son of the wealthy James Wilberton, secretly becomes engaged to Ellen Barth, who lives with her sister, Mary, in a cheap boarding house. About this time Pete Gillon is released from prison, after serving 20 years. He happens to stop at the same boarding house. A man was convicted with Gillon, but escaped years before. Gillon recognizes Wilberton as the man. He tries to blackmail him and finally sends Mary Barth, over whom he holds an influence, to make the demands. Thomas overhears the threat. A few days later Mary is found murdered in a hotel in one of the suburbs. Thomas, who had followed her and upbraided her for threatening his father, is accused. A detective traces a clue which leads to Gillon as the murderer. He is killed trying to escape. This same detective then discovers in the police files a picture which points to Wilberton as the escaped convict. When Wilberton is called to the station he breaks down, but soon is rejoicing when he learns that proof of his innocence was established after his escape.