After his father disappears at sea, Robert Rushton must work in the local factory to support his family. However, when he and Halbert Davis, the son of the factory superintendent, have an altercation, Robert is unfairly asked to leave the factory. Robert is then forced to perform odd jobs to make money. Just as he reaches a point of desperation, a letter arrives from his father. The letter states that Robert’s father has entrusted a considerable amount of money to Mr. Davis. Before Mr. Rushton had embarked on his ill-fated voyage, he had secretly entrusted $5,000 with Mr. Davis. This money was to be given to Robert and his mother if he did not return, but Mr. Davis has used the money for her his own gains.
Robert must find a way to get that money back for his mother, while at the same time finding a job so that the family can survive.