The story concerns Reverend John Barlow, minister in a small New England village, who acquires the reputation for timidity because he believes that a man of peace should not become aggressive at any time. This attitude is particularly distressing to Marian Wells, a girl of the congregation, with whom the minister is in love and who, in response to his proposal, replies that she can only marry a brave man. Barlow joins a regiment of volunteers in which Marian’s father is a Captain and as Chaplain he inspires the soldiers to deeds of daring by his stirring sermons. In a terrific combat with the enemy the Captain is wounded and the hospital corps is put to flight by a shower of bullets. Unmindful of the shot and shell the Chaplain carries Wells to a place of refuge. Later Marian arrives on the scene to nurse her father and a large band of guerrillas attacks the camp when most of the troops have left to reconnoiter. The Chaplain directs the construction of a crude barricade and when he sees that the defenders cannot cope with the marauders, he plunges into the midst of the guerrillas and makes his way to the stable tent, where he secures a horse and dashes after the troops. After a desperate ride he overtakes the soldiers, who return to camp in time to prevent the annihilation of the small party which has valiantly resisted the assault of the besiegers.