Although family is poor, Howard is born with musical talent and he helps support family by playing the piano in burlesque theatres in Chicago. Wine, women and son lead him astray, to the horror of his Christian parents. He marries Ruth, a chaste Christian, but can’t give up the old life. He visits Pacific Garden Mission often for coffee but resists the gospel until his wife issues ultimatum. He goes to PGM and receives Christ as Savior, rejects old life and plays music for Lord thereafter.