Despite the fact that Harold Derwent is a senior at a Divinity School and in love with Faith Willis, a co-ed, he cannot overcome his passion for gambling. He is a fortunate racetrack gambler and pretends to himself that when he becomes a minister he will justify his conduct by giving part of his earnings to the poor. The gambling phase of his character is betrayed to the college authorities by a fellow student, and Harold is forced to leave college. Despite Faith's hope that he will redeem himself, he believes that he is unworthy of her, and goes out into the world alone. Several years later Harold's success in "beating the bookies" has made him one of the spectacular figures of the American turf. He is found at all the race meets, accompanied by Madge a scheming woman, who pretends love for him while he is on the crest of his gambling wave. However, fortune turns against Harold, now known as "Pittsburgh Pa.," and his fortune ebbs away. Madge leaves him.