A poor, friendless boy named Wade Brooks suffers bullying and unjust punishment, then drifts into life on the river where he encounters sailors, petty thieves, and swindlers. He survives shipboard fights, an overboard escape, and a series of arrests and confessions that expose fraud and prompt legal consequences. Along the way he meets helpful figures who offer honest employment and support, and through perseverance and candidness he moves from misfortune toward steadier prospects. The narrative traces shifting fortunes, moral choices, and the practical rewards of responsibility amid the perils of youth and maritime life.