An older man, Alexander Hale, arrives at a scene of violence to find his daughter, Daniel, assaulted. He confronts the wealthy young heir Daniel Blackwood, who mocks the law and the man's attempt to pay for their release. Blackwood escalates the threat by vowing to 'care' for Daniel, provoking a protective lunge from the father. As Blackwood's men begin to beat the man, the injured daughter pleads for mercy. The man then reveals his identity: Alexander Hale is an attorney, and Blackwood's own father hired him for the heir's defense case.