Bill Carmody, a likable young chap, is wasting his time in Broadway restaurants. His father loses a large amount of money because the youth forgets to deliver bonds entrusted to him. Bill quarrels with Ethel Manton, the girl he loves, and he makes up his mind to leave home and "make good" in his own way. Mistaking the bonds for a package of Ethel`s letters, he puts them into his pocket and takes them with him. On the way west Bill meets D.S. Appleton, a lumber baron. The train is wrecked, and Bill, having saved Appleton`s life, is taken from the wreckage unconscious and hurried to the Appleton home. Bill tells Appleton that he is looking for work, but refuses to reveal his identity. Appleton sends Bill to Buck Moncrossen`s camp, believing the boy is made of the right stuff, and that the stern discipline of Moncrossen`s place will bring it out. A clash of wills between Bill and Moncrossen takes place, and the big lumberman proves to have a cowardly streak in him.