A charming but ruthless criminal holds the family of a bank manager hostage as part of a cold-blooded plan to steal money.

Hepburn, a suave crook, poses as an insurance investigator in order to loot the provincial bank managed by Fordyce, a strict disciplinarian who is unpopular with his staff. The robber persuades Fordyce that, unless he assists in the robbery and getaway, his wife and son will be killed; thoroughly intimidated, Fordyce agrees to help. When a bank aide discovers that Hepburn is an imposter, the manager must plead with the staff not to inform the police so that his family can be saved. They agree, unaware that Hepburn has already been arrested. Fordyce later realizes that he owes the bank staff a debt of gratitude.