The young naval officer Jim has signed on with the rundown "Patna," which transports Muslim pilgrims from India to Mecca. In severe distress at sea, the crew abandons ship, leaving the passengers to their seemingly fatal fate. However, the pilgrims are rescued by another ship. In the subsequent maritime trial, Jim loses his officer's commission and wanders through the island world of Southeast Asia, filled with guilt, until an unexpected opportunity arises for him to start a new life as a trading agent. A futile hope...