Robert Ffolliott, a prominent Fenian of the village of Ballyraggett, is in love with Arte (Rose) O'Neale, who lives with his sister, Claire; but through the trickery of Magistrate Kinchella, he is arrested and sentenced to penal servitude in Australia. Kinchella, who poses as his friend, actually holds the mortgage on the Ffolliot home. Conn, the beloved shaughraun of the district, disguises himself as a sailor, boards the prisoner's vessel, rescues Robert, and returns secretly to Ireland with him. Captain Molineaux learns of his presence, and Robert surrenders under duress. Meanwhile Kinchella receives notification of clemency to be extended to all Fenians surrendering themselves but does not inform Robert. He plots to have him shot while escaping jail, but Conn intervenes and saves him. On the seaside cliffs, Kinchella attacks Arte (Rose), but Robert hurls him to his death. Harvey Duff turns evidence against his patron, and Robert is released; he is united with Arte (Rose), and Conn with Moya.