Dave Martin, receiving teller in a Wall Street bank, marries Adele, secretary to the office manager, Frederick Vibart, who visits their home and shows continued interest in her. When a loss of $50,000 is discovered at the bank, Dave comes under suspicion and is arrested and convicted.

Immigrant from Ireland, Dan Canavan goes from street cleaner to husband of society belle Beatrice Newness. As a street cleaner he is trampled by horses drawing the Newness Victoria. The accident leaves on his chest a scar in the shape of a horseshoe that perpetually brings him good luck. He finds he can control the world with the wave of a red flag. He makes this power the basis of his philosophy of life, and becoming a politician, he rises quickly to the position of czar of the city.