The Sign of the Snake (1913)

• 76%
• 1913
• Drama
• Charles Giblyn
• Sherman Bainbridge
• Ann Little
• William Clifford

Colonel Crewe, in charge of a fort near the Mexican border, receives word that some Chinese are about to be smuggled across the line. He details Lieutenant Hurd to attend to the matter. Hurd, with a few soldiers, succeeds in capturing the Chinese, among whom is a Christianized girl, Moon Chew. She falls in love with Hurd. Moon Chew has been sold to a wealthy Chinaman in Frisco and Foo Choo, who is looking after his interests at the fort, informs him of what has happened. Hurd finds a sign on the door on which is drawn a snake and also an inscription telling him to leave Moon Choo at the depot. Hurd informs the colonel of this action. Word comes from Washington that all the Chinese captured, including the girl, must be deported. Moon Chew is heartbroken. Hurd's sweetheart, Edith, comes to the fort to marry Hurd. One day as he is dressing he discovers the snake on the bosom of his shirt and he sends a lieutenant to the laundry, where they capture the wealthy Chinaman, who has come to the fort. He protests innocence, but to no avail. In the meantime, while Hurd and Edith are in a trysting spot, Moon Chew comes upon the lovers' scene. In the background she sees Foo Choo with poised dagger aimed at Hurd. She intervenes and receives the dagger, which finally results in her death in the arms of Hurd. Foo Choo in trying to escape is shot and killed by the soldiers, who have taken the wealthy Chinaman prisoner.