- Jonathan Swift, stern Cape Cod businessman, has ambitions for his children, Emily and Noah, which are thwarted when they take romantic interests in Capt. Joe Cradlebow and Becky Keeler, respectively. Not realizing that Becky expects a child and has been promised marriage, Swift has Noah shanghaied, while Becky stows away on Cradlebow's vessel. There is a terrific storm; but Cradlebow rescues Noah, and the fleet returns safely to shore--thanks to lighthouse keeper Bijonah Keeler, Becky's father, who sets his house afire to give the sailors light. Swift relents, and his children marry whom they please.—AFI
- Jonathan Swift, a wealthy fish packer, lives in the village of Kedarville, along with his daughter Emily and son Noah. Also living in the town are Bijonah Keeler, a former shipmate of Swift's, his son Ezra, and daughter Becky. Becky is secretly in love with Noah Swift, despite her father's objections. When the fishing fleet puts into the harbor, Swift cuts the price so much that Captain Joe Cradlebow, the young leader of the fleet, calls on Swift and threatens to dump his catch overboard unless Swift raises the price. During the meeting, Joe renews his acquaintance with Emily, a childhood friend, who attempts to ignore him, much to Joe's amusement. Word reaches the village that Ezra Keeler has been lost at sea. Joe goes to board with the Keelers to help out. Meanwhile, Emily has gotten interested in Joe, but her father forbids her from seeing him. Swift learns of his son Noah's secret love affair with Becky. He has his son shanghaied when he hears that Becky is pregnant and that Noah had promised to marry her. Heartbroken, Becky leaves home and hides aboard Joe's ship. Several days later the fleet returns. Emily is at the dock to meet Joe, and is stunned to see him leave the ship with Becky. Before Joe can explain the situation, he is called to rescue Noah, who has been shipwrecked. Keeler sets his own house on fire, to serve as a beacon for the rescuers. Joe is able to get Noah safely ashore. Swift then agrees to take Joe as a partner. Noah recovers and marries Becky, and Emily and Joe receive Swift's blessing.
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