Joseph Stanton found guilty of murder for killing a man in self-defense, is sentenced to life imprisonment. Stanton is enabled to send a plea to the governor asking him to investigate the deplorable conditions in the prison, and the governor institutes legislation establishing the honor system in the prison and improving the living conditions. This does not please Senator Harrington, a deceitful politician who refuses to pardon Stanton in spite of the counsel of officials. Harrington agrees to give Stanton three days leave from prison, however, on the condition that if he fails to return on time, the honor system shall be abolished. Harrington schemes to kidnap Stanton and hold him until after the deadline, but Stanton escapes in time to save the system. The senator is then exposed and sent to jail, Stanton, his innocence established, is free to marry the warden's daughter Edith.