Parrish, a young author, leaves his study during a storm to answer a call for help. He discovers a dying man and is rewarded with a treasure map, which he shows to Carroll, a retired sea captain. They plan a quest for the treasure; but before Carroll's ship sails, Parrish is drugged, relieved of the map, and thrown from the dock. Bessie, a girl aboard the Shantung, rescues Parrish. Parrish has concealed a copy of the treasure map; and learning that Carroll has tricked him, he embarks on the Shantung and arrives at the site of the treasure before Carroll's armed gang interrupt. Bessie is imprisoned on Carroll's ship but is rescued by Parrish, who burns that ship and returns to the Shantung. After many adventures together, Parrish and Bessie discover their mutual love. At this point, it transpires that the young author, in his study, has recounted the story from one of his own manuscripts.