Conscience

“A somewhat novel story which, although it is not altogether convincing, is certainly interesting and, for the most part, effective. The plot deals with the moral qualms of a gambler who, with a small sum which he has stolen from a sleeping beggar, wins enough money to save the life of his consumptive wife, and then hesitates to do so because of the moral wrong involved. These conscience scenes, in which the beggar constantly appears to the gambler, by means of double photography, are artificial. It does not seem probable that the latter, once having descended to petty theft, would think of sacrificing his wife for the sake of a moral quibble. It seems still more unbelievable that the beggar, his original coin having been restored to him, together with the money it has won, would voluntarily relinquish so pleasant a windfall. However, although the sentiments of the story ring rather false, the latter makes quite a good entertainment. The acting is exceedingly capable, Miss Mignon Anderson and Mr. Irving Cummings giving particularly fine performances.”

“Gleason is at his wit’s end to know how to secure the money necessary to send his sick wife to Arizona. At last he stakes his all on the gambling table and loses. On his way home he inspects an old tramp sleeping by the roadside. Some one has dropped a ten dollar bill [sic; synopsis and other reviews say $10 gold coin] into his hat. He remembered that ten is his lucky number Gleason takes it and, returning to the gaming room, wins a suitcase full of money. His conscience troubles him, however. He finds the old tramp, tells him the story and, thrusting the suitcase in his hand, sends him away. The tramp recognizes his wife as the only woman he had given him anything to eat. A few days later he returns all but $20 of the money and leaves a note for Gleason, which advises him to ‘take the rest to cure the lady who had pity on a poor hobo.’”