In the California Redwood Forest, Nella Banard gives shelter to two escaped convicts, Berger and "Sporting Chance" Austin, who was imprisoned for another man’s crime. Austin throws Berger out for making insulting advances toward Nella, but is ultimately unable to control his own passions and makes love to her. Afterward, the repentant convict offers to marry Nella, but while seeking a minister, he is recaptured and taken to prison. Nella is unaware of Austin’s incarceration, and upon discovering that she is pregnant, she marries her lifelong friend, novelist John Radd, who has been courting her since childhood. After three years of happiness, John visits the prison to research a novel. He is intrigued by Austin’s story and invites the convict to visit his home. Following his release, Austin visits the Radd family and discovers that he is a father. John offers to step aside for the child’s real father, but Austin suggests that they roll dice. Austin loses and leaves, after which John discovers that the dice were loaded.