Cole returns to his hometown to build a road for his mother, who died due to poor road conditions. He is slandered and extorted by villagers led by local tyrant, Joan Warren. Incited by her, villagers destroy his work and force Cole to tear up the paved road. Later, villagers fall for a scam and blame Cole. Cole exposes Joan Warren's evil deeds, leading to her and her son's imprisonment. Disillusioned, Cole leaves with his mother's portrait, leaving villagers to regret.
