The story
“A powerful nation declares war against a small country, whose former ally fails to come to its assistance. It is necessary to send an envoy in disguise through the enemy’s lines to plead the small country’s cause. Albert, a young officer, whose father had died fighting for his native land, is chosen for the mission. Constance, the young man’s mother, suggests that she be permitted to go with Albert. The premier consents. Mother and son slip through the enemy’s lines. They reach the headquarters of their former ally and present their appeal, receiving in return a message in cipher to the effect that the ally will hurl its armies at the foe of the small country. Retracing their journey, Albert is recognized by officers of the enemy. He and his mother are captured. The message in cipher is discovered, and both are sentenced to die. Realizing, however, that it will be the most dreadful punishment of all for the mother to have to stand by and see her son shot, the enemy sends Albert out alone to face the firing squad. Constance is compelled to prepare to witness his execution. At the last moment she is told that if she will reveal the meaning of the cipher, her son’s life shall be spared. Constance declares that the ally has refused to help the little country. That night, the army of the benefactor takes possession of the village where the enemy is encamped. Constance’s clever mendacity is now apparent. Convoyed by officers of the allies, however, she and Albert reach their own country in safety.”
Summary from Reel Life · 13 November 1915
