When young Gaylord hears that a Bengal Tiger has escaped from the local circus, he and his young friend Henry immediately set about digging a trap. This public-spirited activity unwittingly causes serious injury to Grandpa, who spends an unhappy few weeks in hospital. His convalescence draws uninvited guests to Cypresses Farm; not least the winsome Miss Nightingale. She completely delights all the men folk but her girlish charm is just a little too much for Momma. And all the while, poor Poppa feels responsible for the drama that ensues and is utterly miserable in his role of pig in the middle.