Gibbs is a laborer at the docks who, through his hard work and good judgment, becomes a millionaire on Wall Street. He becomes acquainted with the Van Dusens, who have lost their fortune. Mrs. Van Dusen pushes her daughter Marie into a loveless marriage with Gibbs so that the family can retain its social standing. Gibbs realizes, however, that his money cannot buy his wife's affection.
Cyrus Baird is trying to force his daughter to marry Ethelbert Granger, wealthy but effeminate. She meets and falls in love with James Morton, nephew of Baird's pet enemy. Ethelbert takes the Bairds to cruise in the houseboat of Max Rupholdt, who has a mine layer concealed in the innocent looking craft. Morton, suspected of disloyalty, penetrates Max's secret and rescues the girl just before the fleeing spy meets extermination through one of his own mines.
The film opens in the lobby of a small hotel, where the desk clerk/owner (Budd Ross) is addressing three members of staff: the cook, the waiter and the bellboy. It is obvious from their reactions, particularly the cook (Leo White) that whatever was said did not go down too well. His animated arms knock down the man standing behind him repeatedly until all three servants simultaneously quit. They storm off into the adjoining kitchen where a slavery maid (Blanche White) is on the floor scrubbing the floor. The men all trip over her, moan briefly and then leave.
