A showman has bad luck with employees in this 1913 Hepworth production, directed by Hay Plumb.

A raucous crowd is gathered in front of a sign that reads "10/ prize to anyone who can tie the knot that Hawkeye cannot get out of in 10 seconds". The showman is introduced by the confederate. An intertitle reads "The Confederate's Weakness Gets Him the Sack". The mustached confederate returns and drunkenly falls up the steps, disturbing Hawkeye, who comes outside. The angry showman throws him over the balcony. Giving him money, he tells him to leave before running off to hurriedly find a replacement. He comes across a shady character smoking by a wall. He agrees to work for Hawkeye, taking money from the men and women lining up to see the show.

The restless audience are seated inside. A man bats the drunk ex-confederate on the head with his umbrella. Backstage, Hawkeye peers at the crowd and prepares to go on stage. The new confederate introduces the showman, holding the board to encourage members of the audience to try and tie a knot that Hawkeye cannot get out of. A man volunteers, tying the rope around the showman. Hawkeye shuffles to the back of the stage, where the confederate is waiting, drinking and smoking. He laughs to the camera, undoing the knots to free the showman. He audience cheer while the volunteer stands on the stage, shaking his head in disbelief. A second man attempts. The audience watch with open mouths, clapping and scrapping with one another when Hawkeye once again becomes free. A pair of volunteers go up to the stage to tie the showman up. As he struggles to the back of the stage the now drunk and bored confederate leaves his post. An intertitle read "Hawkeye's New Assistant Decamps With 'The Dibs'". Back at the entrance, the confederate lifts the takings and runs off, leaving Hawkeye defenseless against vegetables and belongings thrown by the angry crowd. An intertitle reads "I wonder is they'll miss me sometimes." a barrage of cabbages, baskets, hats and other objects destroy the set. Covered in flour, the showman cowers behind the backdrop.

Hepworth and Co. was renamed the Hepworth Manufacturing Company in 1904. Hepworth stopped directing films between 1904 and 1911. Hay Plumb was associated with Hepworth between 1911 and 1915.

Hay Plumb's filmography includes several Hawkeye films, and the Lieutenant Pie series.