After Tom's estranged uncle dies and leaves Tom all his money, Tom is elated to be rich like the rest of his college friends. His friends take him out to celebrate by drinking, smoking, and going to bawdy shows, and although Tom is initially reluctant and remembers the lessons of his church leaders and father, he eventually gives in. That night, he dreams that he is being pulled into danger, and only the restraining hands of church leaders and his father save him. When he wakes up, he resolves to be better than he had been the night before.