Janus Rechtsom, nicknamed De Mottige (The Pock-Marked), is an honest seaman with a heart of gold that belongs to Lena Doorn, the girl next-door. His rival Frans van Klarenberghe comes up with one scheme after another to seduce Lena.

Hugo Writley, the son of an American shipping magnate, travels to Holland accompanied by his steward, Longway. On the night of their arrival they go to a cabaret, where they get into conversation with two men and their girlfriends who, at closing time, invite the Americans to their home for a few drinks. The hosts, however, turn out to be 'land-sharks' planning to strip the two inebriated Yankees of their cash.