Egbert Sousé, a clumsy and perpetual drunkard, spends his days avoiding any form of responsibility, much to the chagrin of his overbearing wife and mother-in-law. His life takes an unexpected turn when he inadvertently stumbles upon a bank robbery and apprehends the culprit through a series of comical accidents. Mistaken for a hero, Egbert is offered a job as the bank's security guard, which he reluctantly accepts to please his family and gain some respectability. Despite his new position, Egbert's bumbling nature leads to a string of humorous mishaps at the bank, where his association with the establishment becomes more of a hindrance than a help.

As he settles into his new role, Egbert also learns about an enticing investment opportunity from J. Frothingham Waterbury, a swindler posing as an honest businessman. Tempted by the prospect of quick riches, Egbert persuades his daughter’s suitor to embezzle funds from the bank to invest in the scheme. This decision sets off a chain of chaotic events and precarious situations, threatening both his job and his family's future. Amidst the mounting trouble, Egbert tries to navigate his way through misunderstandings and calamities, relying on luck and wit to avoid disaster. Tensions build as circumstances spiral out of control, leaving Egbert in a tight spot where he must find a way to resolve the impending crisis he unwittingly initiated.