Trama

Charlie competes with his fellow shop assistant. He is fired by the pawnbroker and rehired. He nearly destroys everything in the shop and himself. He helps capture a burglar. He destroys a client's clock while examining it in detail.

Charlie, the not-so-punctual and dependable pawnbroker's assistant, starts his day with his usual duties at the pawnshop--a bit of dusting; some polishing up, and above all, a lot of quarrelling with his co-worker. Before long, a customer arrives--what a fabulous opportunity for Charlie to exhibit his subtle technical skills, and to give his critical scientific evaluation with the use of a rusty can-opener. Then, another client comes, eager to see the diamonds; however, could he be a wolf in sheep's clothing?—Nick Riganas

Charlie is clerk in a pawnshop owned by the father of Edna. Rand is also employed in the shop. Rand is jealous because Edna prefers Charlie, and they constantly pick at each other and fight. Campbell comes to shop ostensibly to pawn an umbrella. He finds no one attending the front of the store and makes a move as though to steal the cash register. He is stopped by Edna's entrance but is not discovered. To cover himself he tells the pawnbroker he would like to buy the business. While the pawnbroker shows him the possibilities of the business a fight starts in the kitchen between Rand and Charlie. The pawnbroker goes in to settle the disturbance. Charlie aims at Rand with the rolling pin but the pawnbroker, just entering, received the blow. They start to chase Charlie and he rushes into the storeroom where he hides in a trunk. In the meantime Campbell goes into the vault in the storeroom. He puts the diamonds into a box and gathers together all the valuable jewels he can find. As the pawnbroker, Edna and Rand come into the storeroom looking for Charlie. Campbell comes out of the vault and covers them with a pistol and backs toward the door to make his getaway. The trunk in which Charlie is hiding is near the door and Charlie opens the lid as Campbell nears him and hits him over the head with the rolling pin, knocking him unconscious. The pawnbroker thanks Charlie for saving the jewels and goes to kiss him. Charlie, however, prefers Edna's caresses. The pawnbroker assumes the attitude of "Bless you, my children," and Charlie gives a parting kick to Rand, who is standing behind him.—Moving Picture World synopsis