The patriot Rory O'Moore, fleeing from the English soldiers, steals a moment with his sweetheart, Kathleen, who has been followed by Black William, the informer. Thus his hiding place is betrayed. Kathleen learns a price has been placed on Rory's head. Hearing an attempt will be made to capture him she warns him, and to gain time intercepts the redcoats. Closely pursued, Rory plunges into the water, with every chance of getting safely away, but hearing the call of a drowning soldier who has followed after him, Rory turns and swims to the man and aids him to gain the shore. The captain of the pursuers is for allowing Rory to go on his way, but Black William demands his arrest. Rory is imprisoned and later placed on trial. When asked to plead, he makes the well-known reply, "If to fight for Ireland be a crime, then I am guilty." The judge places the black cap upon his head and pronounces the death sentence. The good priest, Father O'Brien, however, has a plan. Marching to the gallows platform with Rory, at an opportune time he cuts the rope that binds our hero's arms. One well planted blow lays out the executioner and Rory is over the wall where he finds a horse awaiting him. Reaching the shore he finds his sweetheart and mother, with a boat ready to take him to the ship in waiting. Bidding farewell to Erin he is off to America.