The Spider, an old jail bird, learns on being released from the penitentiary, that a slum worker, Helen Arnold, has been taking care of his wife, and also that she has rescued Amy Gray, a girl of the slums, from Gyp Carter, a noted crook. That night Spider, returning to his old trade, attempts to break into the home of Thomas Arnold, Helen's father. In the meantime, Gyp, who plans upon again getting Amy into his clutches, telephones a frame-up, intended to bring Helen down to Spider's house. There Gyp and a pal kidnap her and convey her into a room in a nearby saloon, where he attempts to wreak his revenge upon her. The Spider, surprised in the act of burglary, learns through Amy of the telephone message to Helen. Quickly sensing Helen's peril, he snatches the gun from old Arnold's band and hastens to Helen's rescue. In the bar-room, at the back of which Helen is held prisoner by Gyp and his pal, Spider is stopped by the bartender, but by a clever ruse distracts the bartender's attention and breaks a bottle of liquor over his head. Spider gains the room above, and in a desperate fight with Gyp and his pal, rescues Helen. Arnold, Amy and the officers of the law arrive soon after. Gyp and his pal are made prisoners, and old Arnold's interest and financial assistance are enlisted in the sympathy of those who live in the slums.