Jack Dobbs starts to gamble and dissipate when he inherits a fortune from his rich uncle In a few years he has squandered the entire fortune and is heavily in debt to the proprietor of a gambling club He appeals to all his friends who welcomed him while he had money but finds they do not know him when he is penniless Finally in desperation he forges a check to pay his gambling debts He is caught and sent to prison for fifteen years At the end of his term he leaves the prison an old and broken man