Jack Herrick and his brother-in-law, Tom Duncan, are fishermen, a part of the crew of the schooner Ariel, commanded by Captain Donald Jessup. The weather is propitious for a catch and the sailors are summoned to report for the trip. Tom is addicted to strong drink. Jack is apprehensive, and when the brother of his wife does not show up, he goes in search of him. He finds him drinking with convivial companions. He tries to induce him to accompany him, but Tom is crazed with drink and refuses. Jack adopts rather heroic measures and a fight ensues in which he is dropped to the floor insensible. Captain Jessup is becoming impatient and finally orders his sailors to cast off. A storm breaks forth in all its fury. Susan, Jack's wife, the daughter of a fisherman, born and reared near the sea, notes the significance of the storm and is apprehensive. She fears for the safety of her husband and brother and, taking her child in her arms, runs excitedly to the beach and looks out across the water. She staggers to the door of the wireless station in the fierce wind, summons the operator only to be told that the Ariel has foundered with all on board. Susan is brought to her home unconscious and a kind neighbor ministers to her sufferings. The woman, instinctively, requires a stimulant and rushes to the nearest place where it is kept for sale, which is the saloon in which Jack is lying on the floor with Tom bending over him. The neighbor rushes in, sees the sailors, who are supposed to be shipwrecked and she is overjoyed. She implores them to hasten home. They do so and, at the sight of her husband and brother, Susan regains consciousness and is supremely happy that they have escaped the fury of the storm.
—Moving Picture World synopsis