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After killing the man who compromised his wife, George Baxter (William Farnum) heads westward to escape prosecution. He tells his sad story to Margery Burke (Gladys Brockwell), who tries to persuade Baxter to return home and accept responsibility for his actions. When Baxter finally does so, he discovers that the presiding judge is the father of the murdered man. Ah, but His Honor is a firm proponent of "The Unwritten Law," whereby any man can be forgiven for killing his wife's lover. This denouement was hardly the most unbelievable aspect of The Fires of Conscience, which coasted along on the strength of star William Farnum's box-office clout.