Convict Tom King is pardoned from a life sentence when he courageously helps other prisoners during a fire. He then goes to live with his brother Matthew, the hated mill owner in a depressed town, and his own son Max, who was brought up by Matthew to believe his father was dead. When Matthew is struck with partial paralysis, Tom takes over the mill. His confession to the workers of his past wins their respect but causes embarrassment for Max. Fearing that his love, Ruth Renaud, will not want to marry the son of an ex-convict, Max leaves for New York City to study music, financially supported by Tom. In a short time, Tom institutes many changes for the betterment of the town and its workers. He even wins Matthew's admiration after the mill turns a good profit. Max returns to find the town greatly improved and asks his father's forgiveness. Finally, he and Ruth are married.