Although Mabel’s parents disapprove of Roscoe and Mabel’s relationship, the two still secretly court. When a rivaling suitor named Reddy appears, the men fight for Mabel’s hand. Although successful, Roscoe witnesses Reddy fall into a well and instantly calls for help. As the police fish Reddy out of the well, the young lovers see their chance at freedom and run off to elope.

The tenements are home to an international community, including the friends and family of a tough young ragamuffin named Annie Rooney, but their neighborhood may be threatened by a dangerous street gang.