Playmates (1912)

• 49%
• 1912
• Drama
• Family
• Julia Swayne Gordon
• Hazel Neason
• Florence Foley

The only child of wealthy parents, Ronald McCumber is obliged to entertain and amuse himself as best he can with his numerous toys, longing for the association of living presence of companionship. One day, while out with his father and mother, a strange stray dog, lame and hungry, takes kindly to little Ronald and comes up to him for sympathy, which is readily given by the little fellow, and there seems to be a mutual feeling sprung up between the two. When Ronald enters the automobile with his parents, the dog follows the fast moving vehicle. He will not be separated from his new-found friend, and the boy takes him into his home and makes him his "fidus Achates;" they are inseparable. Ronald is taken sick. His case baffles the skill of the specialists, and Mr. and Mrs. McCumber are in despair. The one and only hope for his recovery is rest, the fever and delirium making it impossible for him to secure it. Finally the doctor gives him a soporific. The parents and nurse are ordered from the room. "Jean," the dog, who has made several attempts to enter the room and watch his little master, has been ejected, but all being quiet, the dog makes another effort to get near the boy. The doctor, falling into a deep reverie, does not observe the faithful canine's entrance. The physician glances toward his young patient and beholds him sleeping peacefully and quietly, his arm around his dear old "Jean," whose head rests on his master's breast. Calling Mr. and Mrs. McCumber into the room, he cautions them to maintain quiet, pointing to the bed where they behold a picture which fills their hearts with joy. The doctor whispers that the crisis has passed and their boy will recover.