A Harry Piel adventure in the circus milieu: the famous artist Harry trains with the young Hella Stoll, whom he has been raising after the accidental death of her parents. In the interim, now grown up Hella has secretly fallen in love with Harry, but, for the moment, he only has eyes for the seductive Vera Leander. Only a serious accident, which has almost cost Harry his life, brings him back to his senses. Unhappy Hella, however, has already left the circus. Searching for her, Harry has to battle a wild elephant and bring a criminal to justice. But finally, he finds Hella and can admit to his love for her.