The Conspiracy (1916)

• 66%
• 1916
• Drama
• Henry MacRae
• Harry Carey
• Edith Johnson
• Edwin Wallock

Accused of stealing the annual report of the Great Western Railroad, thereby blocking a big deal, Dick Olney is discharged in disgrace by Matthew Montague, president of the road. Dick, a young man of good breeding, became an underling in the railroad office when his father lost his fortune. The president's daughter, Marjorie, knows this and is interested in Dick. Hodges, the president's secretary, is jealous. A money lender's note falling due, Hodges steals the annual report and sells information in it to the opposition road. To clear himself he throws suspicion on Dick. Dick saves the life of Marjorie and her mother, and Montague wishes to reward him. Dick pleads for reinstatement to prove his honesty. Montague decides to give him another chance. Dick becomes suspicious of Hodges, and Jimmy, the office boy, learns that Hodges and a money lender, Gentry, are plotting to buy land through which the Great Western extension must pass, and to sell it to the railroad at a big price. When President Montague leaves on his special train to buy the land, Hodges and Gentry drug him. Dick discovers the conspiracy after the train leaves and he and Marjorie begin a mad race in her auto to catch the special. When the auto breaks down Dick gallops forward on a horse, hoping to flag the train at Charing Crossing. But he reaches there too late. The horse stumbles and falls on the track and Dick is pinioned under the animal. A freight train is rushing upon them. A motorcycle officer saves Dick's life, so Dick borrows the motorcycle and he rides from an embankment onto the freight train. The train stops and Dick explains the situation. The engine is uncoupled and speeds after the special. The special arrives at Sanger Station. Hodges remains with the drugged president, while Gentry goes to buy the land. When Dick reaches Sanger, Montague is revived and sees Hodges' perfidy. Marjorie comes up in her auto and Dick, Marjorie and Montague race madly to the farm and block the sale in the nick of time. Gentry tells of Hodges' part in the conspiracy. Dick then marries Marjorie, as his future is assured.