Born in poverty, Earl must quit school at fifteen to help support family. He works 84 hours a week for seven dollars. He marries Essie, takes job as bartender as well, learns to drink and gamble. Nearly dies of tuberculosis, but God heals him. Earl goes back to gambling, cheats brother, runs away to Las Vegas. Family follows, son is saved, Mother still prays for him. Earl again runs away to California, goes to rescue mission, prays for salvation. Serves God at rescue mission.