John Burns and Byron Jones were rivals for the hand of Mary Smith. John was merry and frank while Byron was gloomy and taciturn. Now Mary believed in having as many strings to her bow as possible, so she didn't seem to favor either one. Byron thought she might favor him more if he had a rich relative, so he decided to get one. In a sailors' boarding house, he found a jolly-looking, old "Tar." Money quickly persuaded the old "Tar" to play the part of Byron's wealthy uncle. In due time, Byron introduced him to Mary and told her of his fine prospects. The old "Tar" acted the part to perfection, on Byron's money. The time came when the money was all gone and then Byron insisted that the sailor make a will in his favor and disappear. But the sailor had taken such a liking to John that he made out this bogus will leaving his supposed money, half to each of the boys. He was gone before Byron discovered the mistake and then Mary and her family congratulated John on his good fortune. Mary and John were married the next day. Byron wasn't even best man.