Birds of Prey
Directed by J.P. McGowan1913 22m[Drama](/on-demand/category/drama), [Short](/on-demand/category/short)
When Jim, a young workman, is approached by two of his former companions, who propose a shady transaction, he informs them that he is now a father and that his son is going to have a clean name. The doctor warns Jim that unless his wife is sent west there is little hope for her recovery. He writes his old mother, who gladly sends all of her savings, now that Jim is leading an honest life. As Jim is cashing the draft he is seen by a stool pigeon, who goes to a crooked private detective with a proposition. A nefarious scheme to secure Jim's money is put in execution. The two men visit a pawnbroker, who is a notorious fence and by threats secure several stolen articles which are "planted" in Jim's house. When Jim is arrested. Murphy, the detective, recommends that he engage Sloane, a "shyster lawyer," who has been made a party to the plot. Jim refuses, but Sloane visits the wife, who turns over the money that Jim may have a fair trial. The money is divided among the three schemers and the trial is held. To the amazement of the plotters the pawnbroker settles an old score by exposing the plot. Jim, liberated, hastens home and learns the situation from his wife. Infuriated, he seeks the lawyer's life, but an unexpected incident stays his hand and Sloane makes restitution.
