Dinah Johnson, the Paterson's cook, imbibes too much of the brandy she is using making mince pies, and is discharged by Mrs. Paterson, wife of her employer. Mrs. Paterson, who is very extravagant with flowers and personal adornment, owes Dinah $50, which she cannot pay when she discharges her cook. However, she gives Dinah an I.O.U. for the amount. Dinah calls several times to collect her $50, but is always turned away empty handed. Dinah has trouble getting another position and finally has to take in washing. Dinah gets behind in her rent and the landlord is summarily ejected. In his wild flight through the door he drops a paper, which Dinah picks up and is astounded when reading an article that says, "Black Hand Letter Frightens a Man Out of $5,000." This gives Dinah an idea. She laboriously scribbles a letter, addresses it to Mr. Paterson, mails it and then hies herself to the rendezvous (which is simply a hole in a backyard fence), to await results. Paterson receives the letter, is almost insane with fear, gets the police. They all go to the appointed place in fear and trembling, and on reaching there simply find Dinah and her I.O.U., which is promptly paid by Mr. Paterson. The police, disgusted with the turn of events, take themselves stationward.
Where to Watch Aunt Dinah's Plot
