While Lieut. Waldon of the Continental Army is visiting his sweetheart, Ruth Carpenter, he is arrested by Capt. Abercrombie, a British officer, and placed on board the prison ship. There he endures many hardships but does not lose heart. A month after his capture his patience is rewarded when a faithful servant of the Carpenter household succeeds in smuggling a file and a note to him. The note instructs Waldon to use the file and be prepared to drop into a boat below his window on the following Thursday night. He is farther told that Capt. Erskin's Continentals will await him beyond the British lines. On Thursday night Waldon drops into the waiting boat and puts out for shore. His escape is quickly discovered and the British start in pursuit. The Continentals, who have arranged an ambuscade, successfully cover Waldon's escape and block the enemy.
—Moving Picture World synopsis