The Ne'er-Do-Well is a fictional novel written by Rex Beach. The narrative begins with Kirk Anthony often being asked by his father to sit down to perform some actual job. But Anthony, despite nearly worshiping his strong, successful father, Anthony is enjoying his father's money despite doing something. He enjoys attending posh meals, driving the newest vehicles, and treating his pals to opulent banquets. Suddenly a man on the run from the cops steps in to help. At supper, this man persuades one of Anthony's drunken friends to "play a capital trick" on him–unbeknownst to the friend, the trick lands poor Anthony on a ship with the wanted man's identity and no money. The rich Anthony is drugged and put on a ship to Panama with no clothes or luggage. Then, he had no option but to work on the building of the Panama Canal to earn passage homes. From there all is up to Anthony himself! Can he do good? Can Anthony get an understanding of his responsibilities? How will he survive in this environment?