In Sicily, Cardi, a Mafia leader of unknown identity, sends warnings to Countess Margherita that she must not marry Count Martinello. En route to the wedding Martinello is murdered by Cardi's band, and Norvin Blake, a wounded young American, makes his way to the countess and breaks the news, and she swears to avenge the death of her beloved. Several years later, in New Orleans, Margherita, posing as a nurse, meets Blake, and he declares his love for her. Recognizing Norcone, a giant laborer, as the leader of the band that killed Martinello, Blake has him arrested after engaging him in a hand-to-hand fight. Maruffi, a suitor for the hand of Margherita, is discovered to be Cardi. The Italian-Sicilian colony is aroused against him, and during a fight between Blake and Cardi, the latter is stabbed by Margherita's maid; Blake finally wins Margherita.