 An orphan, Josefa, runs away from her threatening uncle with whom she is living, and stows away on traveller Fændrik s 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 Fændrik s sister, who has been left penniless on shore by her deceitful brother, joins forces with Josefa s fiancé, Oscar, in a search for the missing pair.