Law and the Man

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A party of peasants burst excitedly into the home of the sheriff, with the news that a famous brigand is in the neighborhood. After bidding farewell to his wife and little daughter, the officer immediately sets out to capture the outlaw. He searches about the countryside, with no success. Returning to the village, he learns that in the meantime the brigand has taken possession of his little daughter, and escaped to the hills. With renewed vigor, the sheriff sets out again in frantic pursuit, and after a long chase, catches sight of the fugitive. He soon brings him to bay at the edge of a steep precipice. The brigand holds the child aloft, and threatens to dash her to the rocks below if the sheriff advances one step nearer. Torn betwixt love and duty, the father finally refuses to sacrifice his child, and asks the brigand to shoot him, as he cannot return to his superiors after such a neglect of duty. With his rifle raised, the brigand is about to shoot when the child interferes and pleads that her father's life be spared. Touched at the appeal, the fugitive throws down his rifle, and surrenders quietly to the law.