Plot

Disguised as messengers, Ham and Bud sneak into a harem and try to make time with the girls.

In taking up the bootblack profession in the Orient, Ham and Bud overlook one thing, the natives do not wear shoes. While discussing ways and means of obtaining the next meal, they see Fatima, the Sultan's favorite, passing. They follow Fatima. Disguised as messenger boys, the adventurers succeeded in entering the Sultan's palace. By knocking a guard over the head, Ham and Bud are able to make their way into the harem. The two are in the midst of teaching the Sultan's wives the tango, foxtrot and maxixe, when the ruler and a number of guards enter and make the adventurers prisoners. The Sultan informs Ham and Bud that their one chance to escape beheading is to amuse him. They are given ten minutes in which to do this. For nine minutes Ham and Bud vainly strive to interest their captor. Then, they start an imaginary poker game. The sultan promptly becomes interested and demands to be taught the game. Ham and Bud gladly take him in hand. But the Sultan finds that learning to play poker is mighty expensive. Before long Ham has won all the money and Fatima as well. The Sultan sends for Abdul El Cohen, his money-lender, but the latter refuses to advance any more cash. In punishment, the Sultan knocks the money-lender over the head and dumps him into a chute leading to the river. The Sultan tries to serve Ham and Bud the same way, but they get him first and send him after Abdul El Cohen. The adventurers go back to the harem, only to learn that Fatima has eloped with her lover. Heartbroken, the two return to the chute room, bid the fond world sad farewell and dive headlong down the chute.—Moving Picture World synopsis