An elderly black man is trying to get on a boat to go home, but he had most of his money stolen from him. He has decided to try and get on the boat even though he doesn't have enough to buy a ticket. The man he is talking to is in charge of making sure people have their tickets, and he has sympathy for the other man. However, he is afraid of losing his job. The elderly man tells him his story, and about how he needs to get home to see his sick mother. The man in charge of making sure they have tickets is trying to think of a way to get the man on the ship without getting in trouble. He will eventually break down and let the man on the ship. The man who is let on will feel very grateful. 
