Hearts United (1914)

Allen Dodd, Professor of Ethnology in an eastern college, succeeds in locating Robert Harris, son of an old college chum, and invites him to come east for a visit. Professor Dodd's secret wish is that Robert Harris and his daughter Alma will become sweethearts. Robert's heart is weak, and owing to the excitement of preparation for his long journey he collapses. His death suggests an opportunity to Robert Haines, a gambler, whose similarity to Robert Harris has often mystified their home town. Haines decides to impersonate the dead man, and try for the hand of Alma, who is an heiress to a large fortune. Professor Dodd and Alma unsuspectingly accept him as Robert Harris, but the girl has already given her affection to Joe Craig, her father's chauffeur. Haines discovers this, convinces Alma that Joe is a married man, and she curtly dismisses him. Deeply wounded by her refusal, Joe starts for the northwest in search of a reported lost mine. Alma discovers the trick, and goes to Joe's house, only to find that he has already departed. As the professor has often desired to study the northwest Indians, Alma succeeds in getting him to take her near the place where Joe is located. Haines, learning of their plans, disguises himself as a professor, and meets Dodd and his daughter. In the meantime Joe has been well received by the Indians, and saves the chief's daughter, Waterlily, from death. Alma discovers Haines' identity, and exposes him. Haines then attempts to abduct her, but her father arrives on the scene, and after a lively flight Haines throws him over a cliff into the river. Alma, by a well-aimed rock, stuns Haines and flees to Joe's cabin. Joe rescues Professor Dodd, and Haines succeeds in paying some ruffians to attack Joe's cabin. A doctor who is attending the professor gallantly aids in the defense. Waterlily discovers the situation and goes for help to her father. The defenders are overcome by the outlaws. Haines offers to save all the lives if Alma will but marry him. In the nick of time Waterlily comes back leading her Indians. The gambler Haines is killed, and the outlaws made prisoners. Alma and Joe find happiness in their love.