The Favorite Son

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Bill is very much in love with Molly, but his shyness prevents a declaration of his affection. While she has lost her heart to him she is at her wits end as to how to handle her bashful lover, and flirts with his brother Jim. Bill does not understand her actions and believes that his brother is his fortunate rival, and when the war breaks out he enlists. Jim is his mother's favorite son and is a coward at heart, but is stung by the admiration of Molly for his soldier brother and also enlists. The mother of the boys makes Bill promise solemnly to take care of his brother, and the two go to the front. Sensational scenes of battle are shown, in which Jim shows his colors, and his cowardice is covered cleverly by Bill, who watches over him and cares for him. The brothers are captured and held in prison. A plot is formed for a number to escape, and the men draw lots to see who shall make the dash for liberty. Jim draws a blank, but Bill is more fortunate, and he gives up his chance to his brother. Jim gets away in thrilling scenes and makes his way home, where he is joyfully received. Hoping to win Molly, he tells her Bill died in prison and she finally surrenders to his ardent wooing and promises to marry him. Bill is finally released through an exchange of prisoners and obtains a furlough. He arrives home on the day of the wedding and as he comes to the village it is being attacked by guerrillas. He takes charge of the situation and leads the home folk, armed with a motley collection of weapons, against the guerrillas and drives them off in a fierce battle. Jim attempts to hide, but a stray bullet lays him low and he dies.