James Mistoll, one of the owners of a factory, and working on a process to turn copper ore into radium, falls from a window on the fourth floor and dies; This was no accident, but a murder. A detective sends his assistant, Barnes, to investigate and soon the number of suspects from within the company multiplies.

After the revelation that Georg has seduced her, Maria is driven away by her father. Georg, fearing the wrath of Maria's father, has swiftly abandoned the girl and left for the mining town of Sankt Anton, where he expects to hide easily amongst the large population of colliers. Maria must care for herself, and ends up in Sankt Anton, where she attempts to rebuild her life. There, she gets to know Thomas, and soon the young people are engaged. When Georg and Maria meet again, drama ensues.