The year is 1830 and Martha Cavanagh, the minister's daughter, is experiencing the first pangs of love. Gabriel Lawless, the object of her affection, has returned home after 7 years, but not only is he a common laborer, he is also a rebel. When the landlords cut their workers' wages, the laborers form a friendly society. Their oath of allegiance is treated as treason. With the line drawn, the time has come to take sides. Can Gabriel be the hero Martha dreams of? Or the villain her father seeks to destroy?