The book agent meets the daughter of a capitalist on a street car when she accidentally ties her shoelace to his. A few days later the girl's father advertises for a butler. A gang of crooks send one of their number to apply for the position. He is accepted. The capitalist gives his wife the choice between a trip abroad and a pearl necklace. She first decides to take the pearls, then changes her mind. They return the necklace and depart with their daughter for their trip abroad. Immediately upon their departure the butler telephones the jeweler, telling him the capitalist wishes the necklace sent out again. The rest of the gang then hide in the house, prepared to rob the messenger. The book agent arrives at the house with his case. He is mistaken for the messenger and attacked. He is in a desperate struggle with the gang when the capitalist and his family return, having missed their boat. The daughter recognizes the book agent and admires his courage. This admiration later results in their marriage.