To avoid a marriage arranged by her stepmother, Sylvia Ingleton follows Guy Ranger to South Africa, and there she discovers that he has become addicted to alcohol and drugs. Sylvia is unable to find shelter, until Burke Ranger, Guy's cousin, takes her in, and, to avoid malicious gossip, enters into a companionate marriage with her. Guy becomes despondent and attempts suicide. He is nursed back to health by "Doctor" Kieff, a narcotics peddler. When Burke is called away to help a sick neighbor, Guy steals the money from Burke's strongbox and goes to a nearby city to spend it in debauchery. Attempting to recover the money, which was entrusted to her, Sylvia follows him and is seen by Burke, who believes her unfaithful. The three of them return to Burke's home, which is soon threatened by floods. Burke sends Guy and Sylvia off on the only horse, but she returns, wanting only to be with him. After being caught in the raging waters, Sylvia and Burke find safety and a new beginning on a high plateau called "the top of the world."