Burns and Harris, two fishermen, are in love with Rose, the belle of the seaside village. Harris is the favored one, and Burns lays a trap for him by having his friends ply Harris with liquor previous to an appointment with Rose. When Harris calls on Rose he finds Burns there, and his intoxicated condition causes Rose to turn from him and accept Burns. When the rivals meet a few days later on the seashore a fierce struggle takes place, but they are separated by mutual friends. The two men are on the fishing schooner, some days later, which is destroyed by the storm, and they are the sole survivors, keeping afloat on a raft. Burns becomes insane from exposure, grabs the precious jug of water and drains the last drop, and then attempts to kill Harris. Realizing that he must either kill Burns in self-defense or leave the raft, Harris leaps into the water, and after being buffeted about is finally cast up on the shore. His story is not believed by the people, who openly accuse him of murder. Burns is picked up by a boat in a dying condition. He tells the whole story before expiring, and Rose, realizing the injustice she has done Harris, goes to his cabin to plead for forgiveness. Looking through the window she sees him with a pistol in his hand contemplating suicide. Rushing into the room she explains the situation, and Harris tenderly clasps the girl in his arms.