Although he has aspirations of becoming a doctor, Barney Kemper slaves away on the farm so that his younger brother Dick can attend college. Dick, having no appreciation of his brother's sacrifice, recklessly squanders the hard-earned money. Although Margaret Danforth, the town doctor's daughter, loves Barney, he falls in love with Iola Hamilton, one of her girl friends. While visiting Dick to investigate his growing debts, Barney discovers Iola in his brother's arms and finally realizes his utter weakness and selfishness. Disgusted, Barney goes West to become a doctor in a lumber camp. Meanwhile, Dick repents, becomes a minister and is assigned to a ministry in the lumber town. Margaret, now a nurse, accompanies him to start a hospital. Together the three face the forces of immorality led by Tex. In the struggle, Dick is mortally wounded, and after Barney extracts revenge by killing Tex, he settles down to a life of peace with Margaret.