A Russian officer is captured by the Circassians, and is brought to the village as a festival is being held, where feats of prowess and strength are being performed. A Circassian maid falls in love with the handsome officer, and when the men have gone forth to meet the attacking Russians she releases him from prison, and he escapes by swimming across the river. Unable to endure life without him, she finds oblivion beneath the waves.
—Moving Picture World synopsis