Joinville, a rogue, commits a robbery. Fearing capture he decides to part with the stolen valuables, knowing that they will incriminate him if found on his person. Moreover, he decides to place them in someone else’s possession, thus turning all suspicion from him. He selects a young clerk, Harry Martin, as his victim, and slips the valuables into the youth’s pockets. The police find the stuff there. Harry is brought to trial. He is convicted and sentenced. Committed to prison to serve his time, he leaves behind him two persons who are full of faith in him and who know he is not guilty of the crime of which he is charged; his blind mother and his pretty sweetheart. Convinced that all chance for a correction of the gigantic error of which he is victim, has fled, he determines to take matters into his own hands and force his way to the stricken home. While breaking stone outside the prison walls, he spies a passing hay wagon and feels his chance has come. Eluding the guard, he gains the wagon and crawls into the hay. He reaches his failing mother in time to buoy her up with a white lie; he has been “freed.” His sweetheart keeps up the imposture until the truth is made clear by the arrival of the police. They surround the house but the boy hazards a thrilling clothesline ride to an opposite roof and safety. In the meantime, the rogue Joinville’s conscience asserts itself. Long dormant, it now cries out to him and will not back down. He obeys its call and surrenders himself to the law. His confession makes clear he who is “Not Guilty,” and the boy is restored to mother and sweetheart for all earthly time.