Garfield, a young gambler, and Weston, son of a minister, are in love with Rose Leigh. Weston is favored, but Garfield is so infatuated that during Weston’s absence from town he forces Rose to marry him by threatening her life. When Weston returns he goes to call upon Rose, to demand an explanation. Garfield sees him coming and compels Rose to tell him she does not love him. Weston is crushed with grief and leaves the house. A girl baby is born to Rose and shortly thereafter Garfield is arrested and sent to prison. Rose becomes fatally ill and on her dying bed sends for Weston and gives him the child, requesting that her husband be notified that both she and the child had died. The girl, Elsie, grows to womanhood, tenderly guarded and cared for by Weston and his parents. Garfield serves his time and returns back to the old life. One of his protégés, Dalton, meets Elsie and falls in love with her. He gets her to call on Garfield with him, thinking the latter will help persuade her to marry him. Some gamblers drop in and their unkind remarks break the girl down just as Garfield comes in. He throws the men out of the room and furiously upbraids Dalton. Elsie’s startling resemblance to her mother arouses Garfield’s suspicions and he makes an investigation, discovering the truth. He calls upon Weston and asks Elsie to choose with whom she shall live. The tie of blood proves stronger and Elsie throws her arm about her father’s neck and decides to remain with him, persuading him to choose an honorable vocation.