The Nemesis (1915)

• 72%
• 1915
• Drama
• Henry King

Having served ten years at hard labor, Robert Richards, Convict No. 832, regains his freedom from prison. Resolved to start life anew, he seeks employment, but the world looks askance at him, and failure meets his persistent efforts. Dejected and discouraged, he makes his way to a bench in a nearby park. A banker, peeved at the close proximity of the shabby man, hastens away. Richards notes that he has left his portfolio behind on the bench. He follows the banker and restores the case to him, receiving his thanks and a request to call at his establishment. As a reward for his honesty, Richards obtains employment. During three years that follow, Richards' judgment is given much consideration, and his employer reaps great financial benefits. Realizing his worth, the banker takes Richards into partnership. In society, he meets the wealthy widow, Mrs. Gordon, and a mutual interest is awakened. Many pleasant days follow, and cupid finally takes the pair in hand. Richards' happiness is now complete. Feeling the need of a servant in his new home, Richards engages what he thinks is a competent man. The new servant, a former convict and pal of Richards, discovers the identity of his employer and decides to use the knowledge for his own evil ends. Through threats of exposure he blackmails Richards. Fearful of disclosure, Richards proves an easy prey to the human leech and pays him liberally for his silence. The blackmailer's ill-gotten gains are soon spent, and he returns again to harass Richards. To escape his tormentor, Richards feigns illness and decides to go away to Switzerland for a vacation. The blackmailer follows him and gets aboard the same train. Making his way along the side of the train looking for Richards' compartment, he is swept off the running-board by a passing train. Fate has removed the "Nemesis" of Richards.