In Totville the invalids are much disturbed because, since the death of Dr. Fairthorn there has been no doctor in the village, but upon learning from the Widow Fairthorn that a Dr. Martin will arrive they brighten up somewhat. Dr. Martin arrives in due time, but misses the omnibus that runs from the railroad station to Totville. As there are no other vehicles at hand, he sets out to walk, carrying his medicine case. On the way he passes a stream of water, and decides to take a swim. While he is enjoying his cool bath a tramp steals his clothes and medicine case. The doctor envelops himself in an old empty barrel and gives chase. The fleet-footed tramp, however, is soon out of sight, leaving the poor doctor to wander about in his wooden bathrobe. The tramp in the doctor's outfit arrives in Totville, and is welcomed by the Widow Fairthorn, who mistakes him for Dr. Martin. He is installed in her late husband's office, and is almost immediately besieged by the invalids of the village. He keeps up the deception and has a series of ludicrous adventures with the patients. Dr. Martin is finally rescued by a farmer, who provides him with an ill-fitting suit of clothes. He manages to reach the widow's home in time to denounce the tramp as an impostor.