The Rev. Robert Martin, having been deserted by his wife years earlier, seizes upon that injustice as an excuse to lead a life of crime. Martin preaches the gospel while his band of pickpockets relieve his worshipers of their hard earned money. When his daughter Joan, who is unaware of her father's nefarious practices, joins the troupe, the reverend decides to make his last crooked deal. That night, a great thunderstorm sweeps through the area, and while the reverend is standing at the window, a bolt of lightning blinds him and sets fire to the house. In the flames, Joan is overcome with smoke and the reverend prays for her recovery. Miraculously, his prayers are answered, restoring the holy man's faith. With their leader's conversion, the members of his troupe also reform and the reverend finally is rewarded when his wife and his sight are both restored to him.