A father's abandonment and subsequent death of his mother leave a young Nick Covington struggling to control his destiny. Emotionally hardened and yearning for a sense of security, he sets out to build a life believing that only financial success can provide the stability he seeks. He will do anything to achieve his goal and as obstacles crop up, Nick resorts to reckless behavior, breaking ethical and moral boundaries. His journey leads to stints in the Pennsylvania coal mines and Texas oil fields before ending in arctic Northwest Canada where the stakes are high and the outcome doubtful.