Sam Long leaves his invalid wife to seek work in a neighboring town. He is unsuccessful in his quest and being penniless, and his wife in need of food and medicine, he steals a wallet of money from Dr. Lane. While returning home he loses the wallet on the road. It is found by some of the boys, who return it to the doctor. Sam, meantime, has reached home and finds his wife in a serious condition, screaming for help. Sam now learns of his loss but cannot leave his wife to look for the wallet. The sheriff hears Mrs. Long scream and rides to the town and brings Dr. Lane. The doctor recognizes Sam, but repays good for evil by showing deserved mercy.