When a stack of valuable bonds go missing from the Grant household, suspicion falls on little Carmen Grant's playmate Georgie, whose father is a poor ex-convict trying to go straight.

Young Jack Lewis is in love with Anna Mason, the sister of Sheriff Jim Mason. Jack is framed for a murder actually committed by a villainous bandit. After being imprisoned for the crime, Jack manages to escape. In a series of high-action sequences—including a spirit-filled defense of a cabin and a stagecoach holdup—Jack saves Anna and a stash of gold. Jack's name is eventually cleared when the true villain provides a confession, proving his innocence.

When the Civil War begins, young Billy runs away from home to enlist in the Northern Army as a drummer; he's wounded in battle and taken prisoner. He manages to escape and deliver an important message to his commanding officer, but loses his life in the process. Preserved by the Academy Film Archive in 2007.

14-year-old Tom is unable to find work to support his sick mother and has no food. He becomes despondent after being turned down by potential employers and sits on a park bench with his dog. A mysterious, unseen figure, referred to as "the social ghost," appears to offer him assistance.