The old chemist's assistant discovers the lacking ingredient in the combination of a deadly poison. One drop of this liquid means death within ten minutes. To reward him, the old man promises him the hand of his only daughter. But the daughter objects, for her heart is already given to another. To win their point the young lover pretends to have drunk some of the poison. Hence, as he is expected to live but a few minutes, the old man consents to his marrying the girl. When he learns the truth, he decides to make the best of the bargain.