Drama. A man wrongly assumed the title of Earl of Petherton and is forced by blackmail to continue the deceit; his son and the real Earl are both in love with the same girl, she eventually marries the Earl after the other son is killed in battle.

Rl. 1. At a small army post in the Sudan 1895, a servant tells Captain Eric Wilson that his wife has been killed by native tribesmen while out riding, and that the tribesmen are coming towards the fort. The alarm is wounded, but before the soldiers leave to meet the natives, Wilson entrusts his small son Harold, to the care of the trader, Mason (859).

Rl. 2. Mason and Harold escape in a wagon but are soon overtaken by a band of tribesmen who quickly overpower them. Meanwhile, the soldiers from the fort march out in to the desert. The natives, hidden in the surrounding dunes, encircle them and open fire. The British soldiers fire back, but have little chance; the entire contingent is killed, including Wilson. A year later, in England, the death is announced of the Earl of Petherton, who never recovered from the shock of the death of his son and heir, together with his wife and son. The title now goes to a distant relative, George Wilson-Howard, who is surprised to receive a visit from Mason and Harold. Harold is introduced to the Earl's son Victor and his ward, Ruth.

Rl. 3 Mason tells the Earl that the newspaper report was incorrect and that Harold is the real Earl; he tells of how he and the boy were held prisoners by the natives, until one night, after attacking the guard, they were able to escape and eventually return to England. Mason asks for £1,000 a year to pay for his silence if not, the Earl robs his own son of the title and family fortune. The Earl agrees on the condition that Harold should stay with him and be brought up with his won son and ward.

Rl. 4. Mason agrees to this and leaves Harold with the family. Years later Victor has joined the army while Harold has entered the Church. Both men are very much in love with Ruth, who has kept the ring that Harold gave her when they first met as children.

Rl. 5. After the Earl tells Ruth that Victor has been in love with her for many years, Harold asks him for permission to ask Ruth to marry him; this the Earl refuses. When Harold states that he will ask Ruth to wait until his wardship ends the Earl demands that either Harold must transfer to another parish or else have his allowance stopped. Meanwhile, Victor has proposed to Ruth and given her a ring.

Rl. 6. Mason visits the Earl and Victor overhears the Earl refusing to give another penny. Mason then demands £10,000 or will expose of the Earl as an imposter and a thief. Victor enters and his father confesses the truth to him; as Victor turns to threaten Mason, the Earl collapses and dies. Harold, who has seen Ruth's engagement ring, tells her that he is leaving never to return. Victor tells Ruth the news and although she still loves him, he insists on giving back her freedom.

Rl. 7 Mason announces to Harold that he is the real Earl, but because of his love for Ruth and Victor he refuses to claim the title. He enlists for the army and before long is drafted out to Egypt.

Rl. 8. Harold has joined under the name Tommy Atkins. In Egypt the soldiers are notified of the arrival of the Earl of Petherton, who is to take command of the fort. Victor arrives and recognises Harold while he is on sentry duty; he explains that he has been searching for him and confesses everything. The alarm is given that the Arabs are attacking the fort. During the battle, the magazine is blown up, ammunition runs short and reinforcements are urgently needed. Victor refuses to let Harold go for help, sending another soldier for aid from the next British stronghold.

Rl. 9. After two days, the soldier, on the point of collapse, reaches the next fort and help is sent out. They arrive just as the Arabs break into the fort, having killed most of the British. Victor is wounded and after telling Harold that he is the Earl, dies in his arms. Harold is one of the few survivors and later is able to return home and claim Ruth as his bride (7739ft).