Lionel Barrymore and Boris Karloff in "The Bells"

Mathias (Lionel Barrymore) an innkeeper, murders a rich guest staying at his inn. Mathias' conscience will not let him rest, and the murdered man's spirit drives the innkeeper nearly mad.

The victim's brother calls for an inquest and brings with him a sideshow mesmerist (Boris Karloff) able to read minds. The innkeeper will not be able to escape his crime so easily.