Unrest among the mine workers causes some to consider other options.
David Fenwick has an opportunity to leave Sleescale. Joe Gowlan has a new job at a factory in Newcastle and starts seeing Jenny Sunley.
David Fenwick falls in love with Jenny Sunley. Joe does not want to be tied down and stands aside. The mine workers in Sleescale face changes when mine owner Richard Barras acquires a new contract.
Jenny and David Fenwick are married. Joe Gowlan returns to town. David's father Robert Fenwick is worried that the mine will flood.
Robert Fenwick and other miners are trapped when the mine floods.
During the First World War, David Fenwick joins the army. Joe Gowlan's boss also joins up, leaving Joe in charge of the factory and alone with his boss's wife. The conflict between Arthur Barras and his father comes to a head.
As the war continues, David Fenwick receives good news while Joe Gowlan gets a surprise.
A note is discovered that sheds light on the mine disaster.
Joe Gowlan becomes successful and David Fenwick reaches a turning point.
David and his wife Jenny are reunited. The mine is destroyed.
David Fenwick's life comes full circle.