During his lifetime John Dorgan is unsuccessful in his attempts to cure his son, Jimmy, of his spendthrift ways, but his will leaves only a part of his fortune to Jimmy, while explaining where to dig for the rest. With the help of his friends, Jimmy rapidly goes broke. Nellie Blye stands by him, however, and encourages him to get a job. While working as a waiter, he overhears information with which he prevents a railroad from being taken over and is rewarded with a position in the company. He follows his father's directions, finds the rest of his inheritance, and marries Nellie.—AFI