An insane asylum is shown, with various inmates. One of the patients constantly plays chess, and one day makes his escape, carrying his board and chessmen. He boards a railroad train and enters a compartment occupied by a traveler, William Burns, whom he engages in conversation and proposes a game of chess. Burns is agreeable, and the two are soon absorbed in the game. The maniac suddenly startles his companion with a proposition that they play for each other's lives, and Burns then realizes the predicament he is in. His efforts to prolong the game and keep off the madman present tense situations. He finally manages to write a message for help on his cuff, which he manages to drop out of the window as the train is pulling out of a station. A baggage man finds the cuff and rushes to the train master, who wires ahead to the police. The game is finally ended in favor of the maniac, and he gloatingly leaps upon his victim. Burns fights wildly for his life, but is no match for his crazy antagonist, and he is finally overcome. He is near death when the train arrives at the next station, and the police rush into the train and drag the maniac away.