Dick Frendy, crippled with debts, and his daughter Ellen, must embark on the "Lone Star," a mortgaged boat, their only asset. An inveterate gambler, Dick has just lost a large sum again and gives his gambling partner an NSF check. Once on board, Frendy tries to take the check back from Surrel and even thinks of murdering him. Ellen arrives, disarms her father who is going to commit suicide in his cabin. The young girl returns to Surrel who surprises her and misunderstands her attitude. After these emotions, Ellen will find her fiancé Wodwood, Surrel's comrade in arms, and will justify herself to the latter. Surrel then tries to abuse Ellen, but stunned by the fall of an object, he understands her ignominy, withdraws the complaint for the check and facilitates the union of Ellen and Wodwood.