English officer Bertie Cecil falls into severe financial distress and is falsely accused of a forged note. To protect the honor of a lady and cover for his younger brother (the real culprit), Bertie remains silent and accepts the appearance of guilt. Facing ruin and arrest, Bertie flees England and joins the French Foreign Legion (or Chasseurs d'Afrique) in Algeria under an assumed name. His English girlfriend travels to Africa to find him. Meanwhile, Cigarette, the fierce "child of the regiment" and camp follower develop deep feelings for Bertie. Following dangerous military conflicts and acts of self-sacrifice in the desert, Bertie's name is eventually cleared, allowing him to return to England.