After the death of his parents, Anton pursues a career at the Schröter trading house in Breslau. He meets Sabine, the boss's sister, befriends Fritz, a rich merchant's son who is working as an intern, and associates with Baron von Rothsattel and his daughter Lenore, who are in financial difficulties and are further distressed by Anton's former schoolmate Veitel, who wants to get rich quick and joins forces with the unscrupulous lawyer Hippus. Fink decides to go to America, and Anton helps the Rothsattels, who retreat to an old estate in Poland and have to defend themselves against rebels there. Fink appears as a savior in distress and frees those who are trapped. Finally, Fink becomes engaged to Lenore, and Anton becomes a partner in the Schröter company and marries Sabine.
