Old man Holliday favors Lionel Dough, the son of an old friend, as a future son-in-law. His daughter, Jenny, thinks otherwise, and would much prefer to marry her own choice, young Dr. Randall. The young lovers hear from Bobby, Jenny’s twelve-year-old brother, that Lionel will arrive at the house the next day. Bobby establishes a law office in the dog-house, outside of which he has painted the sign, “Bobby Holliday, Counsellor at Law,” and says that he will handle the case of Randall versus Lionel very cheaply. After he has been given a “retainer” by Randall, he makes his preparations for Lionel’s arrival. Bringing with him a toy poodle dog, Lionel reaches the house, looking very much of a brainless dude. While he is talking dog to his sister, Bobby manages to fasten some striped material around his trouser legs, making it appear as if Lionel had a coat on over convict clothes. Bobby rushes away and tells the sheriff that there is an escaped criminal at the loose and Lionel is forthwith arrested and hauled to the local lock-up. Bobby releases him by a clever ruse and then has him chased again, this time making it appear that he is an escaped lunatic. Lionel cuts such a ridiculous figure that he cannot very well press his suit for Jenny. Bobby therefore has succeeded with his first case, and presents his bill. Randall is somewhat astonished at the amount he has to pay, but digs for it with a good grace. Among other items in the account is figured compensation at the rate of five dollars for injured feelings, from a spanking administered by his father during the course of the case.