The Hermit's Ruse
Directed by J.P. McGowanHayden learns that his wife and Henderson, a gambler, have become friends. He orders this friendship to cease. Mrs. Hayden promises to abide by her husband's request. She breaks her promise, however, when the gambler calls the next day. The two are having tea when Hayden is heard outside. The gambler leaves by the back door. But the miner, who has sized up the situation at a glance, runs to the back door in time to see Henderson disappearing down the street. Hayden realizes that his wife has merely been foolish and asks the advice of an old friend, Arapahoe, a hermit. Securing clothes similar to those worn by the gambler, Arapahoe rigs up a dummy and sets it in a field. He then sends an Indian messenger to Mrs. Hayden, telling her to come at once if she desires to prevent her husband from becoming a murderer. At the same time, the hermit goes after the miner and tells him to follow him if he wishes to prevent the gambler from running away with Mrs. Hayden. The miner seizes a rifle and follows. The hermit brings Hayden to the field where the gambler stands. The miner raises his rifle and fires just as the wife runs up. The gambler is seen to topple over, apparently killed. Mrs. Hayden, realizing her husband's peril, urges him flee, saying she will go with him. Seeing that the woman now realizes what her friendship for the gambler has brought about, Arapahoe takes Hayden and his wife to the "corpse," and shows them that it is just a tailor's dummy. The ruse has the desired effect.