When Alfred Dinsmore refuses to withdraw his libel suit against "The Leader," editor Charles Purcell hires McMurty to obtain evidence against his opponent. A man recognizes Dinsmore as one Tom Wilson, who took part in a bank robbery and was known to have a scar on his chin: although Dinsmore wears a beard, the resemblance is exact. Dinsmore agrees to withdraw his suit, but Purcell demands blackmail; Purcell is forced to relent when Dinsmore establishes his innocence by removing his beard. The opponents decide to overlook their political differences when their children, who are in love, are reunited despite parental objections.