O'Rourke, soldier of fortune and hero of many wars, finds himself in Paris without funds. In a spirit of recklessness, he pawns a valuable watch given him by a grateful republic for services rendered. With the proceeds he enters a prominent Parisian restaurant to dine. There he attracts the attention of the Princess de Grandlieu, her husband, the Prince, and her legal advisor, M. Adolph Chambret. While there an incident occurs which earns the hatred of her advisor, who is in love with her.
Dorthea Gordon comes to a fishing village with her ill-tempered brother, Walter. She rows out to a rock to sketch the seals, but her boat drifts away and the rising tide sweeps her into the water. Her predicament is seen by Jack Livingston, the fisherman son of the village minister, and he rescues her. The pair begin seeing one another, but Walter thoroughly disapproves. When a gossip implies that Livingston's attentions are less than honorable, Walter confronts him and is killed in the ensuing struggle.
Lorenz Pedro, a Mexican half-breed, owns a small sheep ranch, and lives happily with his wife Marie and little daughter Lois. One exceedingly hot afternoon, Tom Flint, riding across the ranch looking for work is overcome by the heat, and Pedro, acting the part of a good Samaritan, takes him to his home, where Marie, through careful nursing, soon has him quite himself again. Pedro is out daily with his flock, leaving Marie and Flint together, offering an opportunity which Flint ungratefully takes advantage of, resulting in his completely winning Marie's love. Manuelito, Marie's father, is suspicious and comes upon them while Flint is declaring his love.