Rap-a-tap, rap-a-tap-tap, the village drummer summons the country folk to hear a proclamation of a most interesting character. Professor Bunbar, the world-renowned hypnotist, has decided to honor the little old town with his presence. When they hear the news the good people clap their hands with joy and decide one and all to take in the show. They start out in an ancient looking vehicle, smiling and happy as children. Professor Bunbar at first fails to impress them with his wise look and airs, and they laugh heartily at his high-sounding speeches, but at the same time watch him with interest as he hypnotizes the lady who assists him. Big, jolly Nell, one of the most popular matrons in the village, sits with a mocking smile on her lips as the Professor makes mysterious passes over the woman’s head. Soon a change comes over Nell, however, and her neighbors notice that her eyes have closed and that she is breathing heavily as if in a deep sleep. They all clamor for the Professor, who laughing at their fears goes over to Nell and breathes softly on her but with not the slightest bit of effect; Nell still sleeps on. The country people then get alarmed and each in turn comes and blows in Nell’s face. But it is of no use; they have to carry her home, where she remains in a trance for months. Her husband, at his wits’ end, finally has a bright idea: why not turn his misfortune to some account, and let the country-side come to look at Nell for fifty cents a head? What a thought! In a month’s time they have moved into a magnificent house, richly furnished, with the money they made on Nell, who still sleeps on, notwithstanding the change in her fortunes. But one day as the weighty sleeper rests on her rich, beautiful bed and her husband sits at the table counting his money. Nell awakens and for a moment is stunned at the change in everything. But her hunger soon overcomes her curiosity and they have to give her dinner enough for ten before she is satisfied. The old husband, though, sees that this awakening of his spouse Nell is not quite such a matter for rejoicing as his friends would have him think. He has become interested in this “Sleeping Beauty” business, and realizing that there is much more money to be made out of it decides to impersonate “Nell, the Sleeping Beauty,” himself. He carries out his plan satisfactorily, although one of his friends almost breaks the whole thing up by going into convulsions on seeing his old friend in dainty nightcap stretched out on the bed as the curious crowd take a look and with awe written on their faces slowly pass out.