Steve, an orphaned farmboy who lives with his aunt and uncle, diligently pursues his studies as well as his chores, although his hard-hearted uncle Matt believes that work is more important than school. While at school one day, Steve meets newcomer Pat Kelly, the motherless tomboy daughter of famous baseball pitcher Charlie Kelly who has come to live in their little farm community. Pat brightens Steve's day, but when he comes home from school, he receives a beating from Uncle Matt, who tells him that he can never return to school. Upon learning of Steve's predicament, Pat takes his case to her father and her teacher, Miss Holloway. Kelly agrees to talk to Uncle Matt, but is told to mind his own business. When Matt forbids Steve to attend the basket social, Steve defies his orders and goes anyway. Matt discovers his disobedience and drags him home to another beating, causing Steve to decide to run away. While hiding in a shack at the freight yard, Steve meets two bums who have just stolen $200 from his uncle. Meanwhile, Matt discovers the missing money and Steve's disappearance, and accuses the boy of stealing the money. He goes to the freight office, where he is accosted by the bums. Steve tries to hold off the bums and protect his uncle when Kelly comes to the rescue and subdues the attackers. Steve's loyalty forces Matt to realize that he has mistreated the boy, and he asks Steve to forgive him and return home to begin life as a real family.
