Seaman Matt Peasley drifts into San Francisco with his pal Murphy and rescues Florrie Ricks, daughter of shipowner Cappy Ricks, from a pickpocket. Peasley and his friend are signed on one of Cappy's ships. When the ship's captain is killed by savages, Matt takes command and brings the ship to Samoa; but when the owner informs him that a new captain is arriving, Matt rebels, thrashes the newcomer into submission, and sails for San Francisco. Ricks is furious over his disobedience and enraged to learn that his daughter loves Matt. The old man sends Florrie on a cruise with Skinner, one of his officials, and the ship is stranded in a storm. Matt and Murphy rescue the party in a tug, and realizing Matt's worth, Cappy withdraws his opposition to his marriage to Florrie.—AFI