His role in the plight of an unemployed man (Humphrey Bogart) and his disabled daughter profoundly affects an intractable Irish policeman (Pat O'Brien).

A writer rents what he believes is a deserted lodge in order to complete his novel. But then six other people show up one-by-one, each for reasons of their own.

Colonel de Valpeau lives alone with his negro servant, Zeno. Being pressed for funds, the Colonel is refused a loan on the hereditary estate, and is threatened with eviction.