- After successfully completing his education in civil engineering, Bryan Goodwin, the son of James Goodwin, falls victim to the evils of his father's money and embarks upon a life of drink and sloth. Concerned about the direction his son's life is taking, the elder Goodwin sends Bryan to Tennessee to assist in the construction of a dam. Once there Bryan continues his dissipation until he meets Jean Elliott, an aristocratic young physician and the sister of chief engineer Henry Elliott. Jean's contempt for Bryan's idle life spurs him into action, and he pulls himself together and sets to work in earnest, winning both his father's respect and Jean's love.—Pamela Short
- Bryan Goodwin, as Don Quixote, and Murray Bronson, as Captain Kidd, go to a masquerade ball, where Grace Van Seer is the center of attraction. Bryan finds Grace in the conservatory nearly asleep. He slips an engagement ring on her finger and leaves her. At the club Bryan discovers that the intended bride of Murray is Grace. The ensuing discussion lands Bryan in jail. His father bails him out, and decides to put his son to work on the Tennessee River Dam. Bryan pays Grace a hurried visit, and leaves town. The construction of the dam is in charge of Henry Elliott, who lives with his sister, known as Dr. Jean because of her frequent ministrations to the sick. She is trying to get her brother to give up drinking. When Bryan arrives his face is cut from a combat on the way. Jean dresses his wounds, and they become fast friends. They find an old houseboat, which they fit up. One day Bryan is sitting on the deck of the houseboat drinking. He picks up his field glasses and watches Jean bathing. That evening he is drunk. He sends for Dr. Jean, claiming that he is ill. He attempts to embrace her, but she prevents him, and banishes him forever. Sobered, he goes to work on the dam. Grace visits Bryan at the dam. She cannot get him to go back with her. She returns his engagement ring. Bryan, on an errand to see Elliott, finds Jean kneeling over the prostrate form of her brother. She agrees to allow Bryan to take her brother on the houseboat to keep him away from liquor. Bryan assumes Elliott's work. Goodwin, senior, telegraphs Elliott that he will arrive to inspect the dam. Bryan notifies Elliott to come ashore and prepare for the visit. The isolation from whiskey has made a new man of him. Jean expresses her gratitude to Bryan. Goodwin arrives at the dam. He asks Jean to marry his son. She thinks he is engaged. "Not anymore," said James Goodwin. "Come, be generous and give him another chance." The most surprised man in the world that evening was Bryan, when he heard a footfall on the floor of his boathouse, and upon opening found Jean standing there. A happy reconciliation followed.
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