Robbed of his inheritance, poor Joe Mason travels to San Francisco and opens a successful restaurant. When his father dies, Joe Mason must work for Major Norton for room and board. Not only is the Major negligent in providing for Joe, but he also has an overbearing son, Oscar, who humiliates the orphan. Tired of being treated like a servant, Joe moves to California. Soon after his arrival, he saves the life of the prosperous George Morgan, who rewards him by setting him up as a restaurant owner. Joe succeeds in the restaurant business and invests his profits in real estate. Shortly after this, he finds a capable person to operate the restaurant, and he and a friend, Joshua Bickford, depart to mine for gold, knowing that their chances are slim, but hopeful to better their futures.
