While visiting General Forbes, a friend of his Daddy, Sonny Jim imitates the soldiers at the garrison and feels certain that he was cut out for one of them. The General tells him always to help a comrade in distress. Later, a convict escapes from prison and coming upon Sonny Jim playing sentinel, asks help and says he is a comrade in distress. Sonny Jim remembers the General's command, secures one of his father's suits, a large chicken and an apple pie, and finds the convict a hiding place in the cellar. The loss of the suit is discovered and Sonny Jim being questioned, confesses. The General gravely tells him he and Shep have aided and abetted a criminal and that they will have to be court-marshalled. The next day, while being "sentenced" in the little court, Daddy, Jim and Mother Dear interrupt the scene, displaying a note from the escaped convict who writes that he returns the suit with thanks, and that after having seen his dying wife, had given himself up to the authorities. Sonny is forgiven, amid loud cheers. Some weeks later, through the General's influence, a pardon is secured for the convicts' release. Sonny passes the official-looking document to the warden, who tells the prisoner, the little boy has secured his pardon. The convict breaks down, and with tears of gratitude, gravely salutes Sonny, then, shaking hands with him, bids all goodbye. Sonny Jim and his parents leave for home, after receiving three rousing cheers from the soldiers, and a cordial invitation to come again.