Barnes, a detective, is told to trace and capture the thief in a great jewel robbery, although he is given no traceable clue. He goes home and tells his wife of the important assignment. She is quite elated over this, but their son, Stephen, receives the news nervously. He goes to his room. Both father and mother are surprised at their son’s queer actions. The father goes and looks through the key-hole of the door leading to Stephen’s room. He sees him put some valuable jewels into a violin case. The father, pounding on the door, frightens his son and he makes his escape through a window. Barnes breaks down the door and trails his son successfully to the den of a “fence,” (a man who buys stolen goods.) The “fence,” however helps Stephen escape through the scuttle to the roof of the next house. Barnes is not outwitted, and he continues until he catches sight of his son on the edge of the cornice. He shoots and his son falls four stories, the fall being broken by pulley lines, awnings, etc. Stephen is brought home apparently in a dying condition. Mrs. Barnes reprimands her husband for having attempted to murder their son in the pursuit of duty. Barnes is grief-stricken and, going to his superiors, gives himself up, assuming the responsibility for his son’s crime. After several months Stephen is convalescing. He hears of the trial of his father, comes forward, confesses all and thereby exonerates him.