Fisherman Eerik Storm is in danger of losing his home and agrees to get money to be piloted by smugglers. When the customs officers surprise the smugglers, a chase and a firefight ensue, in which the customs officers are confronted with water.

The main characters are the artist Bertel von Bjelke and Hilkka Kanno the adopted daughter of the town councilor. Bertel is in love with Hilka, who, however, behaves badly with the artist. This does not prevent the artist from asking for the girl's hand from the town councilor Kanno, who accepts his friend's request. Kanto stresses, however, that the final decision is up to his daughter.

Niilo, a son of a rich estate owner, is in love with a poor crofter's adopted daughter Heleena. However, on his father's orders, Niilo instead becomes engaged to Loviisa, a daughter of a wealthy landowner. When Niilo wants to call off the engagement, his proud and rejected bride begins to interfere with the lovers' relationship with the help of Penttula, who is said to be able to perform miracles.