Plot

Pokes and Jabbs, two stranded minstrels, see in a local newspaper an ad stating that high prices will be paid for all musical instruments. They scheme whereby they can secure enough funds to carry them back home. After Pokes has pawned his violin for a ridiculously small amount, Jabbs enters the store supposedly in search of a violin. Of all the violins in the store none suits his fancy but the one pawned by Pokes, for which he offers a large price. The pawnbroker, frantic at his inability to sell the pledged article, begs Jabbs to return after he has had an opportunity to see the owner of the instrument. When Pokes returns to redeem the violin, the pawnbroker offers him a large sum to sell him the instrument and Pokes apparently unwilling to part with his beloved violin, finally consents to the sale. The pawnbroker in vain awaits the return of Jabbs, and later seeks the advice of his friend Cohen. Cohen's daughter, Ethel, is greatly admired by Robin, an insurance agent who has been seeking to sell a policy to the old pawnbroker. After being continuously chased away from the house by Cohen, Robin takes the matter in his own hands by eloping with Ethel and by surreptitiously making out a fire insurance policy on the store in his own favor. When the first pawnbroker arrives at Cohen's store he is surprised to find Pokes inside again pawning the violin. The instant Pokes leaves, the pawnbroker running inside tells Cohen of the scheme, and they decide to spring a trap on Jabbs when he enters. Cohen demands that Jabbs show the money with which he desires to purchase the violin, and the moment he displays the roll of "long green" both pawnbrokers try to capture him. Pokes comes to the assistance of his partner and in the melee the stove is overturned and the store destroyed by the flames. After Pokes and Jabbs are led away to jail, Cohen is wringing his hands and bemoaning his hard lot, when Ethel and Robin appear and tell him of their marriage. When the old man sees the policy his tears are turned to smiles, and he quickly forgives the elopers and decides that, after all, fire insurance is not a bad idea.—Moving Picture World synopsis