Nat Hearn, returning to civilian life from the Services, takes over the editorship of a local newspaper on which he had previously been a reporter. His wartime experience has born in him a crusading spirit, and this leads him into disagreement with the owners of the paper, Samuel Vane and his son Gerald, as he is determined to use his new job for purposes of the truth however much this may conflict with local politics and the convenience of the advertisers on whom the paper relies financially. Romance springs up between Nat and Joan Thorpe, the young woman who has been doing his work during the war, and whose practical views are at first at variance with Nat's idealism. Nat is reduced to carrying on the paper practically single-handed and without any money, but his persistance wins and in the end the community spirit of the townspeople urgently seeking new leadership comes to his rescue.