Beth, accused of stealing at the cheap New York boarding house where her only relief from drudgery are the fairy tales she reads, is threatened with being sent to the House of Corrections. She escapes and, after running all day, collapses on the doorstep of Jimmie Vernon, an artist who has become a prizefighter out of necessity. Meanwhile, the real thief, boarder "Superstitious" Louie, steals little Bob Wynne, the baby of a wealthy family, but when he loses the child during a raid on a gambling house, Jimmie takes Bob home. Meeting Beth, Jimmie puts her up to care for Bob, and soon they fall in love. When Jimmie is taken to the hospital after a fight, Louie and Jimmie's ex-girlfriend steal Bob back. After obtaining work with the Wynnes, Beth recovers Bob from Louie's room at the boardinghouse. In gratitude, the Wynnes give Jimmie money for art lessons, and take Beth in as one of the family, until she and Jimmie are ready to marry.—AFI