Madeline and her sister Mildred, two American girls, live in the house of an old General, who is their legal guardian. Happiness reigns supreme until the General’s nephew, after an absence of several years, writes that he is about to return home from military school. His trunk precedes him by four hours. Mildred and Madeline happen to be in the hallway when the expressman who delivers the trunk obligingly unbuckles the straps. The cover opens readily, disclosing military uniforms and they begin to rummage in the trunk, with the result that Madeline finds a letter written by her guardian to his nephew stating that it is his wish that the latter marry his ward, Madeline. Never having seen the young man, she naturally rebels, and amid tears and anger vows to run away. Her sister, having her confidence and sympathy, decides to go with her. Having a strong desire for adventure, they pass as young men and, thus attired, come face to face with their guardian’s nephew and his chum, who have just arrived. The girls have a fine time as men and manage to keep up the deception for an hour, when the General, who has traced them, appears upon the scene and mistakes his nephew and chum for the girls in disguise. Matters become complicated for a few moments, but after due explanation the runaways are forgiven, and Madeline finds herself in love with the young man her guardian intended she should marry. Thus the General’s wish is fulfilled, and all return home in a happy mood. Madeline having had the novel experience of being a man for an hour.