The Two Merchants

Ebenezer Burke and Jeremiah Briggs are in the same line of business in the small city of Bedford. Julia Burke has become fascinated with a traveling salesman and she receives court from him against her father's wishes. They plan an elopement, but their plan is frustrated by Briggs, who asserts that it is his business to protect her, even if he is her father's rival. While out driving with his family, Briggs sees the salesman waiting in a secluded spot with a buggy. Becoming suspicions at once, he stops and watches him. He soon sees Julia coming with a suitcase and his suspicions are confirmed. Jumping out of his carriage, he rushes over to the buggy and seizes the girl. The salesman attempts to interfere but Briggs thrusts him aside and Julia is taken back home in the Briggs equipage, dissolved in tears. Burke is wild with rage at this interference on the part of his rival and he decides that the meddlesome old codger has gone too far entirely. Early next morning Burke is at his store waiting for the appearance of Briggs. When he arrives the climax is reached. Into the back yard of Briggs' store they go and fight it out in true country style. Both "winded," they realize that they are a couple of old fools and a reconciliation takes place. They join hands and fight the appearance of a new store.