The Exchange (1911)

George Thomas and Walter Burnett are chums of the bivouac and camp fire, and fate so ordains that they fall wounded on the same field of battle. Thus it is we see them in the same hospital tent, convalescing, exhibiting for each other all the affection displayed by David and Jonathan of old. They have exchanged their life confidences again and again; and now a packet has come to George from the uncle and aunt whom he has not seen since childhood, with their photographs and a ring, a signet ring that has been an heirloom in the family. George has recovered from his wound sufficiently to take his departure to the home of the dear friends who await his coming after all the long years of absence. He bids Walter an affectionate farewell, when suddenly the hospital camp is attacked and George falls stricken by the side of his friend. The attack is repulsed, but when the hospital surgeon responds to Walter's frantic cries, he shakes his head, and Walter mourns, for his faithful friends is apparently no more. Left by the side of his dead friend, an evil thought takes possession of him. In an instant he has appropriated the photos and letters which George has just received from the far away southern home. He tries too, to take the signet ring from his finger, but in this he fails, the surgeon and others coming in on the moment. And so when Walter presents himself at the home of his friend he is received by them as their beloved relative; and Margery, the sweet-faced cousin to whom from childhood he was betrothed, accepts this turn of fate in the bliss of innocence. But George was not dead. Accidentally did they discover signs of life in the youth. But, alas! When he had fully recovered his robust health, his memory remained a blank. His identity was unknown to himself and in this peculiar state of mind he joined the Union Army. Then the fortunes of war bring him to his old home, where Walter is enjoying his false position. The meeting is a great scene. The signet ring establishes George's identity, while Walter's consternation revealed his imposition. The happy ending may well be imagined rather than told.

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GenresDrama Short