The First Kiss plot
"All the world loves a lover."
Mulligan Talbot is in love with Anna Lee, who comes from a higher social class than the Talbots. Anna Lee's parents therefore do not agree to a marriage. The situation for Mulligan becomes even more desperate when his father 'Pap' Talbot is found dead with a bottle of whiskey in his hand. In order to gain a higher social status, Mulligan wants his brothers William, Carol and Ezra to study. William attends medical school, Carol attends law school, and Ezra studies religion. In order to pay for his brothers' schooling, Mulligan becomes a river pirate. Not long after his brothers finish their education, Mulligan is arrested. Mulligan thinks he can take advantage of the knowledge his brothers have gained during their studies, to be released again and then be able to marry Anna Lee.