Guido Morea and his sister, Nydia, forced to leave Italy, seek refuge in California. While the two are crossing one of the streets Nydia is killed by an auto driven by Willie Vail. The party are taken to the police station, but Vail, because of his wealthy connections, is liberated. Unable to find work in the city, Guido goes to the vineyards and gets a job with Adam Strohm. In his spare time Guido works to perfect his invention which throws a light so powerful that it will melt a bar of iron. One day Strohm and his daughter, Mary, come upon him at work and he explains the invention to them. Guido has taken quite a fancy to the girl and loves her for her many kindnesses, but holds his love in check, thinking she is not for him. Mary, too, has taken quite an interest in him. Willie Vail, who is a friend of the Strohms and suitor for the hand of Mary, pays them a visit. He is recognized by Guido and the latter's face hardens when Willie barely misses running Mary down. Vail takes Mary riding in the car and Guido sees him barely miss running into some children along the road. Mary quarrels with Willie over this and makes him take her home. When they arrive Guido, overcome with rage at the man's recklessness, overpowers him and takes him to his shack, determined to fix his hands so he will never run another child down. Just as he places Vail in front of his invention and starts to turn on the light Mary rushes in and saves the unlucky Vail. Guido tells of the death of his sister and how he thinks Vail should be cured of his recklessness. Mary's protests result in Vail getting free and Guido, thinking all is lost, prepares to depart. Mary then tells him he is so different from others and smilingly he tells her that back in Italy once he was rich. Because he hated war and would not turn his invention over to the government he was banished and brought his little sister to America, thinking to find happiness. When he tells of her death he breaks down and Mary, overcome by love, tells him she is not banishing him. Guido takes her into his arms, and in the distance Vail is seen carefully driving, his lesson learned.