Jack Fisher secures a position as reporter on a metropolitan daily and incurs the enmity of Martin, the star reporter, because of friendly relations which he establishes with Myrtle, a young lady in the office. Martin secretly changes the copy which Jack has prepared for an important story and places the young man in such a position that he is discharged. Some time later Jack learns of an opening in Central America. He bids goodbye to Myrtle, who has never lost faith in him, and leaves for his new field. Shortly after his departure war is declared in a Central American republic and Martin is sent to the scene as war correspondent. Martin is a victim of drink and when a decisive battle occurs he lies in a stupor at a tavern. Jack happens into the room and seeing the condition of the war correspondent, he takes Martin's credentials and hastens to the front. When the defeated army retreats Jack hastens to a telegraph office and sends a full dispatch to his paper. Just as he finishes his work the office is stormed by insurrectos and he is led away a prisoner. Martin is given full credit for the "scoop" and as peace has been arranged he is ordered back to America. While the real hero languishes in a disreputable prison, Martin steadfastly keeps his secret. After six months of hardships Jack manages to escape and seeks the protection of the United States Consul, presenting Martin's credentials. The Consul cables to the newspaper and Martin is forced to confess. When he is again on American soil, Jack wins the hand of Myrtle and secures the position made vacant by Martin's dismissal.