Jacob Downey waits in line at Myers's Meat Shop for some pork chops to bring home to his family. He attempts to order, but is cut off by a phone call from Mrs. Wilbram, who wants Mr. Myers to send her some food for her dog. When Mr. Myers promises Mrs. Wilbram he will prioritize her order, Mr. Downey leaves the store in a huff. The next morning, the New Jersey Ashland Bee publishes the winning piece from a contest for the best essay on Moral Principles by a schoolboy. The piece is by William Downey, and describes, with poor grammar and punctuation, the encounter William's father Jacob had with Mr. Myers. William states that his father stood up for his moral principles by refusing service from a store that prioritizes a dog's order over his own. The piece was supposed to be published anonymously, with all names changed, but it wasn't. Mr. and Mrs. Wilbram are horrified to see their names defamed in the paper. Jacob Downey happens to be an employee at Mr. Wilbram's company, and he is terrified that he will lose his job because of his son's essay. Meanwhile, a publisher approaches an editor at the Bee and offers to pay a great deal of money for more essays like William's. His essay's frank tone and amusing lack of clarity has made it a widespread sensation. On the next pay day, Mr. Downey is called into Mr. Wilbram's office. Mr. Wilbram tells Mr. Downey that he has courage and conviction, and he will be promoted to a desk job.