Steamship line owner Walker, hoping to receive a five-year contract with a Chinese railroad, agrees to deliver a cargo to Shanghai, although the penalty for being late will be five thousand dollars for each day over schedule. Meanwhile, Walker's fiery daughter Marge becomes engaged to Roy Dale, the first mate of their biggest passenger ship. Although seretly pleased, Walker knows that the rebellious Marge needs to be put in her place, so he sends Roy with the cargo to China. Aboard the freighter Combermere , Roy takes over from Captain Steve Andrews, who becomes chief officer. To be with Roy, Marge stows away on the ship, together with her Aunt Susan. Steve finds them, and does little to hide his contempt for the imperious stowaways. Roy, who is unfamiliar with freighters, and also a poor seaman, orders a course through a dangerous storm area, despite Steve's warning. When the ship is hit by a hurricane, the radio operator is killed by debris, and Roy becomes so fearful that Steve is forced to take over. As the vessel begins to sink, Roy urges Steve to save the women, and places them, along with himself and two sailors, into the lifeboat. Overhearing the plan, the crew mutiny and demand that lots be drawn to see who will go in the small lifeboat, which can only hold ten people. Steve refuses to participate, and Marge and her aunt, unhappy with Roy, side with Steve. They influence the crew to remain aboard and keep the ship afloat. Days later, the Combermere arrives in Shanghai on schedule. Roy frees Marge from their engagement, as she is now in love with Steve, who happily agrees to marry her.
