Believing that Margaret Elkins would marry him if they were of the same financial status, Henry Ames misuses his power of attorney and ruins the young woman's father, Thomas Elkins. Because she believes Jim Hardwick responsible, Margaret meets him on the Pacific coast, and while she plans her revenge, he falls in love with her. When a furious sandstorm uncovers a wrecked ship on the beach, Margaret and Jim each hire a gang of men to dig out the treasure, but Margaret finally orders her men to attack Jim and lock him inside the cabin. Next, Henry arrives, and when Margaret overhears him talking with Jim, she realizes that Jim is innocent. After Jim rescues her from the workmen, who, on a drunken spree, have attacked her, Margaret confesses that she loves him, and all ends happily.—AFI