The story follows Tom Walker, a miserly man who takes a shortcut through a swamp. He encounters the Devil, disguised as a black man. The Devil offers Tom buried treasure and prosperity if Tom sells his soul. Tom agrees and becomes a ruthless money lender. Years later, his greed catches up to him when he remarks that the Devil can take him if he has made a farthing from his dealings, upon which the Devil appears to claim Tom's soul.