Stella Derrick and Dick Hazelwood love each other, but their families want them to make better financial matches.

Convicted in a revolutionary conspiracy, a man rashly states that he wishes never again to hear the name of the United States of America. The judge grants him his wish, sentencing him to life aboard a ship always at sea, aboard with sailors under orders never to let him hear of his homeland in any way. The punishment nearly destroys him, while changing him thoroughly.

A playwright, Wakefield, Jr., turns detective when his father is killed after nearly capturing two brothers in possession of four rubies belonging to the British Museum. An investigation suggests that "the Breen girl" is responsible for Wakefield's death, and the younger Wakefield pursues her across the ocean to the United States.