Jean Caletti and Pierre Brazon are engineers in the employ of the same railway company. Jean, a favorite among the workmen, has incited the jealousy of Pierre, who, aided by his own surly disposition, seeks to injure him. One day an opportunity presents itself to Pierre. While Jean is beneath his engine inspecting it, Pierre purposely bumps his engine into Jean’s, causing serious injuries to him. Jean is carried to a near-by hospital, where his recuperation afterwards takes place. Pierre in attempting to make his escape, is arrested, and while pacing his cell, swears that he will yet avenge himself. Jean is back on his old engine. Pierre having been released from prison, finds another opportunity to satisfy his heinous purpose, and mounting to the cab of Jean’s engine, he almost completely severs the brakes, so that they will give way to the least pressure. When approaching a gang of workmen, Jean finds it necessary to use the brakes, but they do not respond to his efforts and several of the gang are killed. When the engine is brought to a standstill, Jean is found in a state of collapse, the horror of his experience having driven him mad. The engine is examined and the defective brakes are discovered, thus betraying the cause of the accident. When Pierre sees what his nefarious scheme has brought about, he at first rejoices, but the death of the two workmen comes as a shock to him, and conscience-stricken, he ends his own life by jumping in front of an approaching train. Meanwhile, Jean is placed in an asylum. Medical aid fails, and as a last resort, his favorite child is brought to him with a hope that the power of love will restore his sanity to him. The plan works splendidly, and his mind fully comes back to its normal state. Upon Pierre’s person is found a full confession of his guilt, which completely restores Jean to his employer’s confidence.