the film was released february 14, 1916, to critical approval. the "variety" review observed, "to say that [the smalleys] have done their work well would be doing them an injustice. they have turned out a picture that is chock full of interest and thrills ... every minute has something to further the plot." "moving picture world" called it "excellent, considered either as dramatic entertainment, or as a faithful depiction of actual conditions" and praised the acting as "restrained" rather than "theatrical", doing credit to its authenticity.