In search of local color, writer Gretchen Barker visits a skid row bar, where she meets Dale Barker, an alcoholic who was once a prominent attorney. Through Gretchen's help, Dale overcomes his craving for liquor and resumes his career. Gratitude moves him to marry Gretchen, who becomes his wife without informing him that she is a German spy. Later, Dale falls in love with his stenographer, Sylvia Hamilton, and although the young woman returns his affections, she quits her job for the sake of Dale's marriage. Dr. Meyer Stahl, the head of the German spy ring, hires Sylvia, and at Gretchen's bidding, he tries to have her arrested as an agent. Sylvia, however, has discovered Stahl's activities and offers the authorities a list of his accomplices, not knowing that Gretchen's name is on it. Seeing the list, Dale is torn between gratitude to his wife and loyalty to his country, but Gretchen helps him out of his dilemma by drinking poison. Later, Dale and Sylvia find happiness together.