Synopsis

Old Mr. Morton generally had the gout, toothache or some other ailment and he always had a most cantankerous temper, making things miserable for his devoted wife and his pretty daughter, Louise. Young Jack Warner came one day to ask the consent of Mr. Morton to his daughter's marriage and was ordered out of the house by the tempestuous invalid. The old gentleman was just enjoying his victory when he was dumbfounded to see his Satanic Majesty before him. "Follow me," said the vision, and in spite of his gout, Mr. Morton had to follow. Through the forest and up over the rocks of the mountainside Satan went, followed by the rheumatic Mortons, limping and growling. Up they went until they reached the Fountain of Youth. "Drink," said Satan. The old man drank and was immediately transformed into a child. He joined into the children's games, stole jam from the pantry, etc. But soon Satan ordered him to proceed, and the old gentleman was horrified to find that they soon arrived at the asylum. There he was locked in a cell and informed that this was his punishment for his irritability. Just at this crisis Satan faded away, together with the walls of the cell and the old gentleman awakened full of thanks that it was only a dream. At once he called his family and gave his consent to the marriage and was so changed that nobody recognized him. But it was a change decidedly for the better.