A man rises from rags to riches, first by boxing, then as a saloon owner, freight contractor, and eventually dockyard boss. However, the man's brother-in-law complicates things with his dockworker union activism. The film is presumed lost.

Ruined by Charles Wainwright, George Garrison commits suicide but begs his son Henry to avenge him before expiring. Henry goes West makes a fortune, then returns to New York. Assuming the name of Henry Thompson he becomes Wainwright's protégé and through his machinations is elected mayor of New York. For his support Wainwright wants a franchise binding the city to the financier's railway, but Henry refuses. Attempting to frame Henry on an old murder charge fails when the “victim,” Henry's partner Joe Standing shows up. Finally, Henry confronts Wainwright exposing his evil deeds. Wainwright’s daughter, Dallas, proclaims her love for Henry.

Billiard nut Michael McCue arrives home intoxicated where his wife greets him with a shower of knives, forks and plates, which he skillfully dodges before she slams the door on him. He nods off on the hall sofa into a most beautiful if fantastical dream. He is back in the billiard parlor with his trusty cue and the pair go through some mad adventures until he is awoken by his wife, sorry for her harsh treatment.

Novice businessman Curtis Jadwin is introduced to the world of grain speculation by veteran broker Charles Cressler. At a performance of Faust, Curtis meets and falls in love with Laura Dearborn, the sweetheart of artist Sheldon Corthell. Curtis pursues Laura and finally convinces her to marry him, but soon after their wedding, he neglects her for his business. In her loneliness, Laura renews her relationship with Sheldon and the lovers plan to elope. When Curtis is ruined on the market, however, Laura rejects her lover and comforts her husband.