 Sir Richard Musgrave is traveling by ship to South Africa. He is a wealthy entrepreneur who made his fortune in Africa. On board ship, he notices an individual that he recognizes as Jan Vander Klaue a one time partner against whom he had committed a terrible act. The gentleman is quite genial, denies knowing Musgrave and denies being Vander Klaue. Musgrave however is overwhelmed with guilt and takes to keeping to his cabin and drinking heavily. In despair, he eventually jumps overboard and the man he thought was Vander Klaue jumps in after him, but for what purpose?