Brodie, an old Scottish farmer, and his wife fear for their adopted niece Helen's affection for the lazy man Harry Byrne employed on the next farm. Their own servant recognises Byrne as an ex-convict, and reveals his own time in gaol to save Helen and her friend Marion Wilson (whom he loves) from Byrne. Byrne kidnaps the old farmer to get his money and King and the trooper Brown with Marion's help, find Brodie whom they had feared dead - Byrne is killed by his accomplice Wilson. W. W. mellowing, with themes of girls' friendship and the prisoner redeemed. (PB)