When the Bumsteads' domestic tranquility is interrupted by Blondie's desire for a maid, Dagwood asks his boss, J. C. Dithers, for a raise. As usual, Dithers refuses Dagwood's request, but this time he offers the Bumsteads two weeks in the country complete with servants, living on the palatial estate owned by Batterson, a deceased magician. Eagerly accepting the invitation, the Bumsteads arrive at the deserted house during a thunderstorm and learn that the premises are haunted. The house lives up to its reputation when the slip-covered chairs begin to walk, but the Bumsteads soon discover that underneath the cover is Horatio Jones, who has been ordered to spend the night for his lodge initiation. Later that night, the sinister Eric and Anna Vaughn arrive, posing as servants. Their arrival institutes a series of frightening events that involve stealthy shadows and secret sliding panels. After Anna and Horatio disappear, Dagwood finds a newspaper clipping with Eric's picture and an accompanying story in which Eric is described as the man who knifed an attorney and fled, claiming that his inventions had been discovered by Batterson, and thus he was the rightful heir to the estate. This information causes Blondie to regret ever having desired a maid. Dagwood then sets out to capture Eric and succeeds just as the crazed "butler" is about to stab Blondie. For his bravery, the press proclaims Dagwood a hero, and amid much notoriety, Dithers rewards him with a raise.