The Hero Coward
Directed by Theodore WhartonJack Wallace is discharged from the police force for his cowardice. He later secures a position as elevator operator in the De Luxe hotel. Bill Snell, a notorious crook and auto bandit, escapes the police just as they are about to lock him up. The fugitive from justice seeks refuge with friends of his who operate a card game on the fifteenth floor of the De Luxe. His friends give him an automobile coat, goggles and a revolver. He escapes through the window and rushes up the fire escape. The police break down the door just as Snell reaches the eighteenth floor. Wallace, having taken the car up to the top floor, is hailed by Snell, who commands the former to take him down in a hurry. The elevator bell rings and Wallace starts his car up again. A desperate fight ensues in which Wallace is severely injured. He finally overpowers Snell and the car descends to the main floor where the bandit is taken into custody by the waiting officers. Mrs. Wallace calls on Captain Walters a few days later, explains to him that her son had been scared in his youth by a runaway horse, that being the reason he was afraid to stop the runaway, for which he had been discharged. Captain Walters calls on Wallace at his home with a squad of police, and reinstates the latter for bravery. Further, he is promoted to sergeant.
