The story
“A young priest happens to be passing along a street just as a man is run down by an auto. He goes to his assistance, and at the victim’s request accompanies him in an ambulance to the hospital. On the way, the wounded man, who believes that he is dying, confesses that in a fit of drunken rage he had killed his uncle, a rich merchant, because he was refused money. The priest’s own father, it appears, was employed by this man, and a few hours before the tragedy had led a delegation of employees who had protested against a cut in wages. The leader, derided and insulted, lost his temper, and made threats against the rich man. Thus, when the killing was discovered, the priest’s father fell under suspicion, and a strong circumstantial evolved against him.
“After the arrest the priest realized that he held his father’s fate in his own hands, but his vows prevented him from saving him. The sinner, who did not die, repeated of his confession, refused to take the blame that belonged to him, preferring to let an innocent man suffer. At the trial the old man was convicted. His son, his heart torn with anguish, still declined to speak. He says farewell to his father, and watches an officer approach and lead him to a cell. Then he turns to leave the court, his lips still sealed. But the sinner repents at the last moment. The priest’s anguish touches even his selfish heart. He falls on his knees and admits his crime. Agony and excitement overpower him, and he falls dead, while the priest kneels besides him and prays that God will forgive the sinner who repented, even if it was at the eleventh hour.”
Summary from The Moving Picture World · 6 May 1911
