Tom purchases the Rayville Clarion, a newspaper, from Judge Moore, who is about to run for mayor. Believing Moore to be a fit candidate, Tom promises him the Clarion's support. Moore owes his candidacy to "Owl" Jackson, a political boss. Nonpareil Jones, a tramp printer whom Tom has befriended, overhears the boss tell one of his henchmen that Moore is to be merely a figurehead. Jackson drops a letter revealing a scheme to loot the city. Jones picks the letter up and gives it to Tom. Unable to lay the infamous scheme before Moore, who is out of the city, the newspaperman proceeds to hammer the Judge's party. Moore is furious when he learns the Clarion now opposes his candidacy. When Tom, who has fallen in love with Clara, the judge's daughter, calls to see his sweetheart, Moore orders him from the house. Worried by the Clarion's opposition, Jackson determines to destroy Tom's plant. Jones, sleeping in the office, is awakened by the political boss, who is preparing to burn the place. The two fight. Jones is knocked unconscious, after which Jackson sets the building ablaze. News of the fire brings Tom to the scene. Knowing that Jones sleeps in the plant, the owner dashes into the burning building and rescues Jackson's victim in the nick of time. Jones revives and lays bare Jackson's crime. The boss attempts to flee, but is caught by Tom and locked up. The boy then informs Judge Moore of the plot to loot the city. Convinced that he had been unjust to Tom, Moore begs his forgiveness.