Walter is eleven years old when he is abandoned to an orphanage by his mother. He grows up to be socially awkward and shy. His life improves when he joins the United States Navy. Unfortunately, he is aboard the USS Nevada in Pearl Harbor on December 7, 1941. His terrible injuries dash his dreams of having a wife and family. He returns to his hard-hearted mother's house where he meets Patsy, his young niece. Walter's new job requires him to journey by ship to Peru and deliver a valuable Brahman bull. Once again, Walter's life unexpectedly changes direction.

On board the old steamer, he meets a beautiful young woman, a mysterious stranger with an eye patch and a treacherous seaman-all three exceptionally interested in Patsy.