The captain of a ship carrying contraband from Mexico to the United States is forced by his crew to stop to rescue a young woman who is the sole survivor of a wrecked ship. The crew mutinies, killing all officers save David Mills, the new second mate, the only navigator left on board. Agreeing to steer the ship if the girl is left unharmed, they are safe for a time, but the crew again grows restless. In the end, they escape the crew and weather a fierce storm with the help of the faithful Black cook.