Dorothy's son, Tom, returns to town. A Civil War veteran, Tom continues to complain of an old injury and asks Dr. Mike for some morphine for the pain. Even though she finds the wound to be completely healed, Dr. Mike reluctantly agrees, but grows suspicious when he returns begging for more. She refuses, and Tom grows agitated. His desperation increases, leading him to act violently, and Dr. Mike retaliates, injuring Tom. She tries to convince Dorothy of Tom's addiction, but Dorothy must see for herself the effects of Tom's addiction. In the end, Tom convinces everyone he is recovered, only to later skip town.