The action takes place on Phil Hogen's farm. His three sons ran away from home, unable to withstand the despotism and aggressive behavior of their father. Only his thirty-year-old daughter Josie gets along with him - large and capable of work, who, however, enjoys a very dubious reputation as a walking woman. The last of her brothers, leaving his father's house, advises her to get involved with someone and settle down. The best fit, in his opinion, is the drunkard Jim Tyrone, from whom the Hogens rent a farm. She is disgusted by even the thought of such a union, but the father agrees with his sons.