The brutal Sim Sloane has but one redeeming quality, his love for his son, who is a chip of the old block. Sloane is out hunting one day when he falls and hurts his leg. His cries are heard by an old forester, who assists Sim to his own cabin and treats him kindly. Sloane's response to this treatment is what one expects only of the vilest nature; he becomes drunk, insults his host, abuses the little granddaughter's pets, and is finally driven out by the old man. At the store he boasts of his prowess, but the forester tells the true story, and Sloane is made the butt of ridicule. Thirsting for revenge, he hangs about the cabin until the children leave for school, then enters and lays a fuse of shavings from the hearth fire to a keg of powder that stands in the inner room. Hardly has he left the premises when the children return, as there is no school. A few moments later, Sim's beloved son enters, drives out the children, ransacks the larder and sits down to eat and drink. As he opens and shuts the door the draft first breaks, then mends the burning fuse. Sim boasts of his deed to the old man, who hurries home. As he reaches the scene there is an explosion which hurls the beloved son into eternity, and Sloane, coming to gloat over his enemy, remains to grieve over his devilish handiwork.
—Moving Picture World synopsis