Eileen Donaghue loves Myles Murphy. Eileen's mother approves, so why shouldn't the young people make light of the ever present sorrow of Ireland, British oppression. Colonel Reid of the English army, acting on instructions from his government, seeks at every turn to thwart Irish independence. He has found a willing aid in traitorous Fagin, unsuspected by the townspeople of selling their secrets to the King's representative. But Fagin after all has done little harm to the villagers, nor has he earned the money paid by Colonel Reid. More spying is demanded of him. He dares press his attentions upon Eileen and is soundly thrashed by Myles for his presumption. After that Fagin makes Myles his most hated enemy. He betrays him to the British as being in league against the British government, and after a search, Colonel Reid discovers Myles in Eileen's home. He is marched to prison. The girl seeks the consolation of Father O'Flynn, who succeeds in gaining permission to take her to the prison to see Myles. In his presence the lovers meet and Eileen surreptitiously hands Myles a metal bar by which he may effect his escape. Then she and the priest leave. Nightly Myles works on the stone wall of his cell, and when the last stone is loosened, and the bars are twisted, he knocks senseless a passing guard. Then Myles slides down a rope, where he finds Eileen waiting for him. They are about to hurry away when the patrolling guard discovers them. The alarm is given and Myles is pursued. He is succored by Eileen and her mother and concealed in their hay wagon. The bayonets of the Britishers, piercing haystacks and into the wagon itself, barely miss causing Myles' death. Finally Eileen opens the way for Myles' escape, though the cost to her is bitter. On the ship which has secretly arrived from France bearing arms and ammunition for the patriots of Old Ireland, Myles finds refuge as she is about to sail across the sea. He protests his undying love for Eileen and solemnly promises to send for her mother and herself as soon as he finds a haven in France.