The Grip of Love: Dr. Spencer sends Lester Jordon to spend a few months in Tennessee for a rest. The school trustees employ Ruth Overholt as teacher for the Sumach Crossroads School. The townspeople suspect Lester is a Revenue Officer and want to get rid of him. When Clem, a man who had argued with Lester is found shot in the woods the news spreads that Clem is responsible. He is carried to the town, with a rope about his neck, to be lynched. Ruth is frantic, but helpless until she can convince the townsfolk of his innocence. Lester is released and with Ruth, he returns to civilization.