An orphan, Josefa, runs away from her threatening uncle with whom she is living, and stows away on traveller Fændriks boat. She is no better off with him, however, as he forces himself on her and makes her steal and beg for a living. Meanwhile Fændriks sister, who has been left penniless on shore by her deceitful brother, joins forces with Josefas fiancé, Oscar, in a search for the missing pair.