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.