Count Percy is courting Ethel Wells. Father is not pleased with this, but mother is boss. The old gentleman is delighted when the girl makes the acquaintance of Jack Greenleaf. Father invites Jack to call upon the family at their city home. During the call Jack has a short brush with the count, who is highly offended and leaves, much to the anger of the mother, who forbids Jack the house thereafter. Jack and Ethel manage to exchange letters, and, in order to keep their correspondence secret, they use an old cannon, mounted in a nearby park, as a letter box. The spying count learns this, and determines to intercept some of these letters. With this intention, he goes to the old cannon, reaches into it in search of a letter, and finds a lady’s purse, which has just been hidden there by an escaping sneak thief. The officer from whom the thief has made his getaway returns as the count finds the purse and explanations are useless. He carries him off to the station house. Here the count telephones to Mr. Wells for assistance, but the old gentleman is slow to help him, and only does so on the condition that all thoughts of an engagement between the count and Ethel be dismissed at once. Father holds the balance of power in this case, and has his way, leaving the road clear for the more welcome suitor. Jack.