When the attorney for the Brockton family announces that their wealthy uncle has died, he reveals that, by terms of the uncle's bequest, his money will only go to relatives who are successfully employed. Upon hearing this, his idler nephews hastily select professions, not knowing a thing about them. The various professions include pilot, damn builder, baker and yachtsman. One nephew, George Brockton, who is already employed as a journalist, decides to find out more information by befriending the lawyer's elderly clerk. After other family members fail miserably in their jobs, it is revealed that the uncle is still alive and has been posing as the lawyer's clerk. Impressed that George is the only relative with a real profession, the uncle decides to make him his heir.