At the beginning of the story, Jimmy Valentine is eager to get back to his old ways. He packs his suitcase of “burglar’s tools” and leaves town. However, when he reaches Elmore, he falls in love with Annabel Adams. He “looked into her eyes, forgot what he was, and became another man.” His love for Annabel drives him to change his ways and live a decent life. He is able to change for the better for her.