- Borrowing shamelessly from "A Tale of Two Cities", an American agent, Harvey Birch (Herbert Rawlinson), exchanges places in prison with Henry Wharton (J. W. Pike'), a condemned British officer and brother of a woman,Frances Wharton (Ella Hall he greatly admires, and goes to the gallows. After his death, General George Washington (William Worthington),reveals the true identity of the dead martyr.—Les Adams <longhorn1939@suddenlink.net>
- Harvey Birch, the Spy, is a member of the household of General Washington, and the action of the story takes place during the first years of the Revolutionary War while the Continental army, under Washington, is encamped near Newburg-on-the-Hudson. In order that the spy may move within the British lines with greater freedom, he has allowed the impression to go out that he is a British spy. Washington alone of the Continental army knows the true state of the spy's allegiance, and he has given Birch a letter signed by himself which Birch is to use only in the direst extremity. This letter sets forth that the bearer is in reality an American spy and that he has deliberately created the impression that he is in the pay of the British. It is signed by the commander-in-chief. The spy wishes to tell Washington to meet him at the Wharton's house, which is neutral, and has himself arrested as a British spy by Washington's soldiers and is brought before Washington, who says he will question him alone. When he has secured the message, the General tells Birch to make his escape, which he does through the chimney and rides away on the General's horse. When the horse returns, the General knows Birch has made his escape. But Major Dunwoodie, in command of a troop of American soldiers, and in love with Frances Wharton, offers a reward for the capture of the spy. The Skinners, who are a body of irregulars who prey on the defenseless of both sides, attempt to arrest the spy for the reward. They visit his house and after frightening his father and sweetheart, they are put to rout by the spy. Washington goes to the Wharton home to meet Birch. Captain Wharton, who is an officer in the British army and is about to be sent to England, comes to his home to say good-bye. He is in disguise. Washington recognizes him, but tells him that he is safe on such an errand. The spy comes and gives British plans to Washington, who gives him a false dispatch in case he be arrested. These intercepted plans cause the British to advance into an ambush over a bridge which has been weakened by the Americans. A battle takes place and the British are defeated. Captain Wharton takes this opportunity to go back to his lines, but is warned by the spy. They are seen, however, and Major Dunwoodie has to arrest the brother of his sweetheart and send him to headquarters for trial for being in disguise in the American lines. The Skinners burn Birch's house and capture him. He is taken to headquarters and placed in the tavern for safekeeping. The landlady assists him to escape. Birch hears of the arrest of Captain Wharton and resolves to get him away. Disguised as a minister, he goes to his cell and changes clothes with him. He goes to the scaffold to pay his penalty of being a spy, not even then showing the letter which he knows will save his life. But Washington comes up and orders them to search him. The letter is discovered, and the spy is placed in the right light before the world, but his former usefulness is over.—Moving Picture World synopsis
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