Although it means the mortgaging of their home, Roger Dayton's parents send him to law school. Selfish and ungrateful, the boy forgets all about the old folks after his graduation. Alma, whose husband is serving time, fascinates the young man. Roger's ability brings him an appointment as prosecuting attorney. In the meantime, a bad season ruins John Dayton. Their home is sold over their heads and the old people are sent adrift. Roger is in ignorance of this. Then, one day, he finds his father in a police court, tried on the charge of stealing bread. Ashamed to go to his father's rescue, the cur hastens from the court. Mrs. Dayton is saved from starvation by old Maggie, a newspaper vendor, who resides in the same house. Roger's mother, ignorant of her husband's whereabouts, learns of what has happened while selling papers outside the jail. Fate has caused John Dayton to be placed in the same cell with Fenway. Alma calls upon her husband and tells of how she is victimizing Roger. Dayton hears the story and when his wife calls, imparts it to her. The two prisoners are discharged on the same day. Mrs. Dayton learns that Alma is preparing to flee. Rogers enters Alma's apartment in time to witness the struggle between the two women. Preferring to believe the adventuress' lies, he sternly rebukes his mother. Chance leads him to discover the truth. At the same time, Fenway enters. Roger learns that the latter is Alma's husband. At once his own worthlessness dawns upon him and he vows to spend the rest of his days in expiating the wrongs he had heaped upon his parents.