With a parting kiss, Betty Lane, a fisherman's daughter, and John Monroe, promise to meet later in the day at their trysting place on the seashore. Betty returns to keep the appointment and is waiting but a moment when a wealthy young yachtsman comes ashore for provisions. He flits with Betty and Betty's heart is lost. John arrives to find his sweetheart in the stranger's arms. Betty ignores John's protests and agrees to the newcomer's proposal that she pack her things, meet him in half an hour and elope. John hides and awaits their return. The yachtsman is the first to arrive. He has his provisions and has not forgotten a bottle of stimulant, most of which he has already consumed. John thrashes him for stealing his girl, throws him into his rowboat, and orders him to get aboard his yacht and not to return. On board the yacht the intoxicated yachtsman drops a match near the oil tank. Betty arrives on the scene in time to see the vessel in flames and the owner dive into the water. Betty looks appealingly at John. John takes to the water and with a few strong stokes reaches the drowning man. In the meantime, Betty has been doing some heavy thinking, it appears, and has come to the conclusion that a man as brave as John is, although poor, is better for her than a wealthy sailor who cannot swim.
