Summary
The narrative unfurls around Dave Darcey, a hardened criminal whose latest illicit windfall prompts a celebratory dance for his loyal cohorts. This ostentatious display, however, becomes the catalyst for a violent confrontation with Paddy Burns, a rival gang leader nursing an ancient grudge. In the ensuing melee, Dave critically wounds Paddy, forcing his desperate flight. His escape path inadvertently leads him into the orbit of Phillip Brenton, scion of the formidable Benton Steel Works, who, mistaking Dave for a common burglar, demands an explanation. Dave's candid confession of the night's tumultuous events unexpectedly garners Phillip's sympathy and an offer of legitimate employment within the steel plant—a chance at redemption. Phillip's father, a figure of seasoned skepticism, remains unconvinced of Dave's newfound rectitude, orchestrating a subtle test involving a conspicuously placed roll of cash. The internal struggle for Dave is palpable, a visceral battle between his ingrained criminal impulses and the burgeoning desire for an honest life, from which the reformed man ultimately emerges victorious, returning the temptation.
Simultaneously, a shadowy geopolitical undercurrent emerges with the arrival of Baroness Von Ehrenstein, a clandestine operative for a foreign power. Alerted to the Benton Steel Works' monumental war contract for a rival nation, she cunningly secures access to the plant under the guise of an author seeking local color. Phillip, captivated by the Baroness's allure, unwittingly becomes her personal guide, facilitating her and her accomplices' meticulous reconnaissance of the vital industrial complex. His infatuation blinds him, leading to the neglect of his fiancée, Grace, whose growing concern prompts an inquiry to Dave. Protecting Phillip, Dave offers a convenient, if dishonest, explanation of "business." Dave, however, perceives the Baroness's sinister machinations and attempts to warn Phillip, only to be met with dismissive resentment and subsequent dismissal.
The Baroness exploits Phillip's drunken vulnerability, pilfering his office keys and dispatching her confederates to the steel works. Dave, ever vigilant, trails them, witnessing their insidious act of planting bombs. A desperate struggle ensues, with Dave valiantly attempting to thwart their destructive agenda. Overpowered and bound amidst the ticking explosives, he executes a harrowing escape, gnawing through his restraints with a nearby saw. Frantically, he extinguishes the fuses, but one detonates, engulfing him in the ensuing chaos. A watchful security guard, having observed fragments of the struggle, pursues the saboteurs. The authorities descend upon the scene, closely followed by Phillip and his father. The elder Brenton, misinterpreting the devastation, accuses Dave of industrial sabotage and, compounding his misfortune, the lingering charge of Paddy Burns's attempted murder. Yet, the watchman's timely return with the apprehended conspirators unravels the truth, exonerating Dave. A police officer delivers further relief, revealing Paddy's survival and minor injuries, effectively nullifying the murder charge. Acquitted of assault, Dave not only retains his freedom but also secures an elevated position within the Benton Steel Works, while Phillip and Grace reconcile, their relationship mended by the ordeal.
Synopsis
After landing a big "haul," Dave Darcey, a crook, decides to spend part of his booty by holding a dance for his followers. Paddy Burns, leader of a rival faction, decides to settle an old score with Dave by breaking up the affair. On the night of the dance he goes at the head of his gang with the avowed intention to "get" Dave. In the struggle, Dave shoots Paddy and makes good his escape. He is seen by Phillip Brenton, the son of the owner of the steel works, who thinks he is there to rob the house and demands an explanation, Dave explains the whole affair to him, and Phillip gives him a chance to make good by giving him a job in the steel plant. Phillip's father is not so sure of Dave's reformation, and tests him by leaving a large roll of bills exposed. Dave sees the money and a struggle with his other self follows. The new Dave comes out the winner and he returns the money. The Baroness Von Ehrenstein, a secret agent for a foreign government, learns that the Benton Steel Works have accepted a huge war order for a nation hostile to her own. She gets permission from Phillip to visit the plant on the pretext of getting local color for a novel she is writing. Phillip personally guides her and her accomplices through the plant and they make a thorough study of the place. Phillip has become greatly interested in the Baroness and is neglecting his fiancée, Grace. The latter notices his continued absence and asks Dave the cause. The latter, in order to protect Phillip, tells her that it is business. Dave, suspicious of the Baroness, warns Phillip of her and his young employer resents his interference and discharges him. While Phillip is in a drunken stupor, the Baroness steals his office keys from him and gives them to her confederates who hasten to the steel works. Suspicious of their actions, Dave follows them and sees them plant bombs in the factory. He tries to foil them and a fight follows. Dave is finally subdued and is left, bound hand and foot, by the burning bombs. He rolls himself over to a saw and works frantically till he severs his bonds. He then starts to stamp out the fuses of the bombs, but one of them explodes and he is caught in the wreckage. The watchman, having seen part of the struggle, follows the conspirators. The police arrive at the scene and are closely followed by Phillip and his father. The latter accuses Dave of attempting to destroy his plant, and also charges him with the murder of Paddy Burns. The watchman returns with the real culprits and tells the true story, thus clearing Dave of guilt. One of the policemen then tell Dave that he need not fear of trial for murder, as Paddy is still alive, having been only slightly injured by the shot. Dave is acquitted of the charge of assault which he had to answer to for the shooting and returns to a better job with the Benton Steel Works. Phillip and Grace are reunited.
