The Cheat (1915)

Edith Hardy is greatly admired by Hishuru Tori, a wealthy young Japanese. Edith tells Tori of her husband's request to economize, and he, sympathizing with her, asks her to come to him for assistance whenever she needs it. At a lawn fete given to raise money for the Belgium sufferers, some $10,000 was turned over to Edith as treasurer of the fund. A friend gives Edith a tip on United Copper and she, in hopes of doubling her money, invests the entire fund. The night of the Charity Ball, given at Tori's house, she is informed that United Copper has collapsed and the money is lost. As the fund is to be sent away the next day, Edith hysterically appeals to Tori for his assistance and he gives her a check for $10,000, with the understanding that she is to come to him the next night. The next morning Hardy realizes on his investments and rushes to give the joyous news to his wife. She secures $10,000 from him and that night goes to repay the Japanese. Hardy, suspicious, follows her. Edith offers the check to Tori, but he refuses. Edith threatens to kill herself if he comes near her. Tori offers her his revolver, knowing that she has not the courage. Suddenly enraged, he seizes an iron with which he has been branding some curios and, tearing Edith's gown from her shoulder, places the red-hot iron to her flesh. Edith, wild with pain, shoots Tori in the shoulder and flees, just as Hardy breaks into the room. Hardy finds the check and a piece of chiffon from his wife's dress, and when the police arrive assumes the blame and is arrested. Edith offers Tori everything not to press the charges, but he refuses. The day of the trial Hardy is declared guilty of shooting Tori and is about to be led away, when Edith rushes to the witness stand and bares the brand to the judge and the jury. The enraged audience in the courtroom attempts to lynch the Japanese, but is suppressed by the police. The charge against Hardy is dismissed and he and his wife are reunited.