Lieutenant Mason, U.S.A., is engaged to marry Ruth Wilson, the Colonel's daughter. His father, a snappy, grouchy old banker opposes the match. He learns that his son is ordered to the Philippines and will marry Ruth and take her with him. He determines to appeal to the Colonel to prevent the wedding. There is a smallpox scare prevalent and the doctor of the regiment, to help the lieutenant, detains the banker as a possible patient and has him confined in bed in the hospital quarters. He hears the instructions that he is to be detained there until after five o'clock, the hour set for the wedding. His clothing is locked up to prevent his escape but he manages to get out of the window in his pajamas, slides down the bed sheet and is chased by the sentinel and orderlies to the Colonel's office where he surreptitiously puts the clock at five minutes after five. He finally reaches the Colonel's house as the bride and groom are leaving. Realizing that he is too late he extends his congratulations.
