Arriving home late one evening Bessie is turned out of her home by her stepfather Dan Collister. She has nowhere to go. Bessie is befriended by Victor Stowell, son of the Deemster or Judge of the Isle of Man. Victor is engaged to Fenella Stanley, the daughter of the Island's governor. Bessie stays the night in Victor's apartments. Victor's best friend Alick Gell, tells Victor of his love for Bessie. Victor sees an opportunity for ending his affair with Bessie. Victor's father dies and he succeeds him as Deemster. Later Bessie is arrested and tried for killing her child. The judge trying the case is Victor, the child's father. Bessie is found guilty and is to be executed. An infuriated mob gathers around the prison demanding the name of the man. There are two women who know, Bessie and Fenella who had challenged Victor and obtained his confession. Bessie escapes from prison, where she is awaiting the death sentence. Victor is caught and stoned by the crowd for his share in helping her to escape.[3]