Johnny Liddell cleans up the crime-ridden New York water front by making a dope charge stick against the head of the "organization", the group masterminding the big-time rackets. Liddell naturally arouses a grim determination to get rid of him via beating, fighting, and general mayhem on the part of the lowest mug as well as the remote Marty Regan, boss of the organization. With the cooperation of a crusading newspaper, an honest inspector, and a maritime insurance company, he boldly puts the finger on Regan. In this slam-bang story of suspense, Mr. Kane pulls aside the curtain to show how crime got its stranglehold on the city. - Summary by Inside sleeve of first edition