Desc: The Wreck: Directed by Ralph Ince. With Anita Stewart, Harry T. Morey, Gladden James, E.K. Lincoln. Carlyle, the railroad president, visits his old friend, Hamilton, and is so impressed with Richard, his friend's son, that he offers him an opening in the railroad business. Carlyle notes the marked difference between him, a fine, manly young fellow, and Herbert, his own son, a ne'er-do-well at college. Herbert is in debt and writes home for money. The railroad president refuses his request. In desperation the boy writes to Genevieve, his attractive young stepmother. She confides in Richard. Herbert calls home secretly and his stepmother promises to help him. Carlyle comes in and sternly demands to know to whom she was talking. She cannot tell him. A note arrives for Genevieve. She tells Carlyle it is from a girl. It is from Herbert, who wishes to meet Richard that evening to get the money. Genevieve goes to acquaint Richard of the appointment and is followed by her husband. He witnesses the meeting and hears Genevieve say, "On the bridge tonight at eight." Carlyle meets Richard at the bridge, seizes him by the throat, and pushes him into the water. John Squires, a surly, cowardly bully, who has been discharged from the railroad, sees the deed. As Carlyle sneaks back Squires insolently steps out and points meaningfully toward the lake. Carlyle is forced to reemploy him on the railroad. Herbert coming to meet Richard, sees his father. When questioned he tells the truth about his appointment. Carlyle can hardly bear the weight of his sorrow. Carlyle goes west, away from the scene of his crime. His son Herbert accompanies him. Engineer Squires, driving the Westbound Express, stands intoxicated, swaying from side to side in the cab. Squires attacks the fireman and tries to throw him from the window. While this is happening, the train tears on toward a runaway engine several miles down the track. In the head-on collision which follows, the cars are thrown from the track and splintered into pieces; clinched locomotives are demolished, belching fire and steam, passengers are hurled from seats and crushed in debris. Carlyle searches for his son. He finds him among the dead. Raising his eyes heavenward, his expression tells he realizes that his punishment is the retributive Justice, "A Life for a Life."