- A young English woman, Estelle Graydon, falls in love with Hajid Ben Khedim, a well-to-do Algerian completing his education in Britain. They marry and Hajid takes Estelle to his family home in Algiers. Estelle is disturbed by the customs of her new home, especially when Hajid's father insists he take a second wife.—Jim Beaver <jumblejim@prodigy.net>
- Englishwoman Estelle Graydon marries Hajdid Ben Khedim, the sheik of one of the Arabian peoples. Although Ben Khedim has been educated at Oxford, when he returns to his desert home and comes under the influence and beliefs of his people. The couple have a daughter, but Ben Khedim begins to grieve because he has no son and heir. Cassim, his father, suggests he take a second wife, Khalila.
Sir Thomas Powell, commanding British troops in the region, is an old friend of Estelle, and asks Ben Khedim for permission to see her. But the sheik refuses, since women of the harem are not allowed to receive male visitors. Estelle asks Powell to meet her near some ancient ruins, so she can hear news from home. But a spy tells the sheik, and Ben Khedim interrupts their meeting. Powell is ordered from the camp.
Meanwhile, Charles Courtney, a British naval officer who was once in love with Estelle, arrives at Powell's camp and is told what has transpired. Estelle receives a cable stating that her father is ill and asking that she go home. Estelle sends a note to Courtney, asking him to explain to her family why she cannot leave. Ben Khedim decides to take Khalila for his second wife, and explains to Estelle that he is only doing it so he can produce an heir.
Estelle takes her daughter and escapes from the camp, but is overtaken by the sheik, who returns with her to his camp. Courtney, upon receiving Estelle's note, goes to the sheik's camp, and cuts his way through the walls of the sheik's tent. Khalila notifies the sheik what has happened, who orders Courtney to be executed. However, the sheik relents, and decides to settle the matter with a duel. Courtney is killed, and the sheik orders his men to drive Powell's men from the region. Estelle sends a warning to Powell, and the British are able to defeat the sheik's men. Ben Khedim takes refuge in his tent with Estelle, and, surrounded, is about to shoot himself and his wife. But their daughter intercedes. Powell grants freedom to Ben Khedim if he and his followers leave the area. Ben Khedim accepts the offer, asking that his wife and daughter be allowed to go with him. The sheik's marriage to Khalila never takes place.
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