New Year’s Eve finds Jones rolling home from the club, “three sheets in the wind,” after a night spent with boon companions, watching the old year out through the bottom of a glass. At home, next morning, Mrs. Jones has an easy task persuading Jones to frame up a fine set of New Year’s resolutions. He promises to quit drinking, smoking, staying out late o’ nights; to curb his temper, mind the baby, do chores, and generally act like a saint. He means well, and makes a brave start, but Willie’s drum gets on his nerves and causes him to lose his temper. To calm his nerves he tries a strong cigar. Asked to do a few necessary chores and mind the baby, he refuses point-blank, and starts for the club to find consolation among kindred spirits. At the club he meets a bunch of converts, fellow sufferers, and they decide on a little recreation. They mount a water-wagon and go for a ride, but each saloon passed claims a victim; they drop off, one by one, until only a “corporal’s guard” is left, including Jones. The water-wagon (as if in league with the “Evil One”) breaks down in front of a brewery, and, to keep warm while repairs are being made, they enter the brewery. They emerge, one by one, and wend their way homeward, the last of all being poor Jones. He is so happy that he wants to make a present of the earth to everyone he meets. Arrived home, the “delighted” Mrs. Jones receives him with open arms (and a rolling-pin) and the finish may better be imagined than described.