Jim Warren, a lieutenant in the Confederate Army, is given to drinking and gambling with other officers and losing all his money, gives another officer, William Ford, notes to cover the amount. Robert Tole, in the secret service of the Union, who has made his headquarters at the hotel where most of the gambling is done, watches Jim closely, asks him to his room, tells him that if he will give him certain information regarding the movements of the Confederate Army, he will give him money enough to pay up the notes. At first Jim is indignant, but realizing that he will be disgraced if he does not pay the notes, accepts Tole’s proposition. As a result of his treachery, the South meets a disastrous defeat. The Confederate general in command, knowing that the defeat is due to someone giving out information, orders a thorough investigation and all strangers arrested. Robert Tole is among those arrested, and in trying to make his escape, is mortally wounded. He confesses that Jim Warren is the man who had given him the information. In the meantime, Jack Warren, the older brother of Jim, and who has been a guardian of Jim all his life, has been arrested for the crime. A note has been found on Tole, which bears the same watermark as the note paper found in Jack’s room. Jim goes to the general and confesses that he is the man who is the traitor, but the general will not believe, having a written confession from Jack. Jim, filled with remorse, commits suicide and Jack tells his mother and father that Jim died fighting for his country. Ethel Wade, who is loved by both the boys, received a letter from Jim confessing the crime, and she realizes the wonderful sacrifice Jack has made.