His Daughter

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An inordinate desire for drink made this man the beast he is, for his early life must have been exemplary, or he could not have been the father of a girl of such fine character. A miner, he had made some money, but instead of purchasing a future for himself and child, Mary, procures a host of most undesirable friends (?). In short he becomes a worthless drunkard, chumming with the most despicable parasite in the village. On the other hand, his old neighbor, John Whittier, has been more provident and saved his earnings to provide a future for his son William. William and Mary have grown up together and have been sweethearts from earliest childhood; although not really engaged, there is a tacit understanding between the two. William is leaving for college, where he is to pass his last year in his medical studies, to return at the end of this season a full-fledged medical doctor. It is at this parting that their betrothal takes place, he promising to return and make her his wife. This is the happiest moment of her life, despite the thought that they are to be separated for a long school session. This dream of happiness has a rude awakening at the appearance of her besotted father demanding money for drink. However, she is ever hopeful and when later she receives a letter from William informing her of his early return, she is beside herself with joy. Hastening to William's father she finds he has a letter stating that the boy will return that same day. The old man is counting his savings, figuring that the money will start his boy up in business in good shape. The letter received by the father contained a photograph of the boy in his graduation clothes. Of this the old man is very proud and hastens out to show it to his friends in the village. In his haste he falls and injures himself. This accident occurs outside Mary's home so she takes him in and cares for him there. The old man's first thought is the money and he insists upon going back, but Mary, realizing that it would prove disastrous for him to make the journey in his condition, volunteers to get it and bring it to him. To this he consents, and she leaves, at the same time sending for medical aid for the injured man. On her way back with the money she meets her father, who guessing the contents of the bag, his cupidity is aroused and he plans to get it. Following her at a safe distance he peers through the window and sees her hide it under the mattress in her bedroom. Here he evolves a scheme. Securing the coat and hat of his chum, whom he somewhat resembles, he masks his face with a handkerchief, effects an entrance through the window and is about to make off with his loot when surprised by his daughter with a pistol. She secures the bag and forces him out at the point of the gun, intending to take him to the lock-up, of course imagining him to be her father's chum. On the way they are met by William, who has just alighted from the train and he, tearing the mask off, discovers the identity of the thief. What a blow this is to the poor girl, and seeing the money safe in the old man's hand, she, broken by the disgrace, makes a desperate attempt to leave the place. William, however, will not blame her for her father's deed and hastens after her to renew and put into effect the promises he made before leaving for college, realizing that she needs his protection now more than ever.