On Borrowed Time

A simplified, single-set version of the well-known fantasy showing how Death is chased up an apple tree by a boy and his grandfather. Gramps is idolized by his young grandson, Pud, who models his every action after the old man

But Gramps's salty expressions and rough behavior are frowned upon by both the strait-laced Aunt Demetria and Granny, so Aunt Demetria comes to live with them, hoping she can steer the boy in the right direction

Death, in the form of Mr. Brink, comes to claim Gramps, but is forcibly sent about his business. Still, he manages to take Granny instead and later returns for Gramps, who outwits Brink by trapping him up an apple tree, thus suspending Death throughout the universe

Aunt Demetria, who can't see Mr. Brink in the tree, tries to prove that Gramps is insane in order to get legal possession of Pud. Matters come to a climax when one of the townspeople tries to take Gramps to an institution and is shot

But the victim refuses to die, and the others plead with Gramps to release Brink so that the world can resume its normal cycle ...