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John Haller, a banker, is head of the powerful organization of beggars in his city. His daughter, Meta, knows nothing of the double life her father is leading. She is loved by Paul Wilson, a young society man, but will not marry him until he has succeeded in a useful occupation. Paul secures work on the Evening Herald and is told that the position will be a steady one if he can unearth the system back of the begging graft. Paul starts to work and his articles begin to worry Haller and Brooks, the manager of the beggars. One night Paul sees a beggar enter a limousine. He hangs on to the back and is surprised when it drives up to Haller's house. Paul has the city editor of his paper make the announcement that the name of the mysterious beggar king will be revealed in the Sunday edition. This announcement causes alarm to Haller, and joy to Meta. Haller is visited by an old inventor, who asks him for funds to secure a patent for a typewriting device he has perfected. This device makes it possible for writings on one typewriter to be transmitted automatically to another machine any distance away. Haller has machines installed in his library and the office at beggar headquarters. Paul is forced to report that he has not yet succeeded in finding the beggar king. That night he again keeps watch at beggar headquarters, and sees the limousine waiting. He conceals himself in the car. A few moments later, the beggar enters the machine, and the chauffeur drives on before Paul is discovered. The beggar is removing his make-up, and Paul sees the man is really Meta's father. He jumps out of the moving car, and Haller goes home greatly agitated. The next morning he determines to save his daughter's disgrace at any cost. He sends Brooks a message to have three gunmen wait in his garden. He writes a note to Paul telling him that he will learn important information for his article by calling that night. Night comes. Haller tells Meta he is called away and for her to keep Paul there until he returns. In the garden he gives instructions to shoot Paul if he leaves before eleven o'clock. Paul calls at the house. Meta cajoles him into remaining, thinking that his article has already been turned in. At the newspaper office the editor grows frantic. They try to communicate with Paul by telephone, but Haller has removed the bells. So they send a boy with a message that the forms will be locked in thirty minutes. When Meta learns that Paul has not done his work yet, she tells him to write his article on her father's typewriter, and keeps the messenger waiting. Paul has a struggle between love and duty, and finally writes a note to the editor, resigning his position, as he has not discovered the name of the beggar king. The message is transmitted at beggar headquarters, and Haller sees what a mistake he has made. He rushes out to save Paul. Meta is indignant when she realizes that Paul has failed. She orders him out of the house, saying that she never wishes to see him again. The gunmen are waiting. As Paul leaves the house, they take careful aim. But just as they fire, Haller rushes up shouting a warning to Paul, and he receives the shot. Haller, fatally wounded, confesses to Meta the whole truth. She sees how she has misjudged Paul and he comforts her, telling her that the secret of her father's life will never be known.

EPISODE 1: In the little village of Elmhurst is a lonely house with shuttered windows, the home of a suspicious recluse known as Professor Gershom, who is considered more than half mad. No one has ever guessed the secret of the old house, that within its walls a beautiful girl has grown from childhood to womanhood without ever speaking to a human being except her strange guardian. Alene is in heart a child, but she is deeply learned in all things that a really great scientist has been able to teach her. Gershom, however, is vaguely conscious that about her there is something incomplete and imperfect. Alene herself is unaware that the restlessness which prevents her finding interest in the life she has heretofore led is due to the stirring of the primal instinct to seek a mate. Something seems calling her out into the world, and unquestioning, she answers the call, stealing from the old house while Gershom sleeps. Fate wills that Robert Dane shall be the first man Alene shall meet. Though neither is aware, a flame of love is instantly kindled. Alene, with the simplicity of perfect purity, demands that Dane take her to live in his house, and is heartbroken when he conducts her instead to her own home. Dane is himself miserable, for he thinks this wonderful little person must be demented, and that it is for this reason that she has been hidden from the world. Sadly Alene enters the old house, to find a scene of horror. Stretched upon the floor, with the blood matting his hair, is Professor Gershom and upon the edge of a curtain is a human hand, the figure itself being concealed by the drapery. In the fascination of terror Alene draws near enough to the mysterious hand to observe that it wears a peculiar ring, and then flees from the place. Alene finds Dane and induces him to return with her to the house, they being accompanied by Dr. Duncan, a kindly old village practitioner and friend of Dane. They find the old house empty; the body of Gershom has disappeared, and there is no one behind the curtain. Dr. Duncan takes Alene to his home, though she declares that she would prefer to go with Dane, and she is tenderly cared for by the doctors old wife. Dr. Duncan and his wife also think the poor child demented, but hope time and kindness may cure the ill. As to her identity they have no clue and can only surmise her relationship to Gershom. Alone in his study Dane is dreaming of Alene. EPISODE 2: Caleb Jerome is a private banker of the old school, most highly esteemed in the business world and considered a man of wealth. In striking contrast to the simple life of his father, Calebs only son, Gilbert, is a libertine. Nevertheless Gilbert is his fathers idol, and for his sake the old man has not hesitated at a secret crime, though the son treats him with indifference. Caleb is paying a terrible price for the doubtful success which his greatest crime offered. Wherever he may be, an incredible horror dogs his steps. When his eyes rest upon a face, whether it be that of a stranger or a familiar friend or servant, that face suddenly becomes that of a dead man, Prof. Gershom, Realizing that his end is near, Caleb sends for his son, and tells him what he has done and the reasons for the act; that the fortune supposed to be his was originally for Alene, and that in an attempt to destroy the evidence whereby this girl, should she live to become of age, will recover her fortune and make Gilbert Jerome a beggar. Caleb murderously struck down old Gershom, the girls protector, and threw his body into the river. The documents he sought, Caleb had been unable to find. Gilbert assures him that either the documents will be found and destroyed, or that Alene shall not live to become of age. Soon after, the horror of the face of fear becomes too great to be endured, and Caleb Jerome dies. Meantime, Alene has been tenderly cared for by Dr. Duncan and his wife, Martha, and Duncan has awakened to the fact that Alene is not mad, but as sane as any other perfectly normal person. With the frankness of perfect purity, the girl shows her instinctive desire for the love of a man and her choice of Robert Dane. Danes love for Alene now completely fills his heart with soul-stirring passion, but he sternly represses his emotions, thinking that it would be unfair to Alene to marry her before a greater knowledge of the world enables her to choose a husband on the basis of practical affairs, rather than to act merely on emotional impulse. Rather sadly he tells himself that as she has only a childs heart still, it means nothing that she turns to him now. EPISODE 3: But a short time has elapsed since Alene first came from the old house in which she grew to womanhood, but already her keen mind is sensing the true basis of certain conventionalities, and when Martha, Dr. Duncans wife, suggests that she exchange her Grecian robe for more modern garments, the girl agrees after asking, Will Robert Dane like me better? Already there is creeping into Alenes manner toward Dane a trace of shyness, but he does not realize that this shyness is a mantle which her awakening soul is drawing about itself; he still regards her as a child and hides his love. Dane is a frequent visitor at the Duncan home, and on one occasion Alene follows when the doctor takes Dane to inspect the one thing of interest in the village. This is a large silver cup which for many years has hung beside a mineral spring. Its origin is a mystery, and many traditions have been woven about it, so that no one in the village would dream of removing it. It is curiously engraved with a promise of health to whoever drinks from it here, and a warning that elsewhere it will give death. The most extraordinary feature is, however, that the water of the spring, absolutely undrinkable from any other vessel, has, when taken from this cup, astonishing medicinal value. Alene solves the mystery of the cup by telling them that Prof. Gershom placed it beside the spring when she was a child, though they can form no idea of his motives, or determine why the cup exerts so strange an influence on the water of the spring. Shortly after, Alene chances to meet Abner Gray, a simple-hearted young villager who immediately falls in love with her. Alene observes on Abners hand the ring which she saw upon the hand grasping the curtain in the House of Secrets, and concludes that Abner killed old Gershom, not being aware that the ring has just been found by Abner. This belief causes her to treat Abner with kindness; she is grateful that he should have done something which has resulted in a happier life for her. Her mind is not yet prepared to grasp the idea that to kill Gershom was a crime. She treats Abner with frank fondness, and Dr. Duncan is delighted, thinking that marriage to Abner would be a simple solution of the rather difficult problem of her future. Dane misunderstands Alenes attitude toward Abner and with self-deprecation deems her apparent turning to Abner natural and proper and as confirmation of his former idea that the preference she showed him in the first place was only a childish fancy. At this time Gilbert Jerome arrives in the village, coldly determined that if the documents which will dispossess him of his stolen fortune cannot be found and destroyed, Alene shall die. EPISODE 4: Immediately after his arrival in the village, Gilbert Jerome makes the acquaintance of Dr. Duncan and of Alene, and falling passionately in love with the girl, determines to marry her, thus saving the fortune and at the same time coming into possession of what he regards as a rare and unique specimen of feminine attractiveness. It does not occur to his predatory mind to attempt a courtship; he intends to force her into a marriage by whatever means may be available. He decides to eliminate Abner Gray, his only rival. It is Alene herself who affords the means. Asked by Gilbert why she likes Abner so well, the girl tells him quite simply that it is because Abner killed old Gershom. This she knows because of the ring which Abner wears. Gilbert of course knows, through his fathers confession, that Abner is innocent, but seizes this chance to dispose of him once and for all. He informs the authorities of Alenes statement, and Abner is arrested, charged with murder. Dr. Duncan and his wife, through an act of kindness, have exposed themselves to smallpox, and have been quarantined along with the person stricken with the disease. Alene instinctively seeks Robert Dane for protection and advice, only to be informed that he has gone away without stating his destination. As a matter of fact, Dane has gone to the nearby city in response to a message that the failure of a trust company has wiped out his small fortune and that his presence is necessary if anything at all is to be saved from the wreck. Alene is thus left entirely friendless, all the other villagers regarding her with suspicion and disapproval, and Gilbert thinks she must fall an easy victim to his desires although his plans have been somewhat interfered with by the arrival in the village of Clara, a woman who is madly in love with him, and who presents herself as his wife. At Gilberts order, she leaves the village proper, but secretly finds lodging at a farmhouse nearby. Alene begins to comprehend the peril in which Abner stands. In horror she tells herself that they will hang him, because she told of the ring and that it will be she who will send him to his death. EPISODE 5: Alene is almost brokenhearted at the apparent indifference of Robert Dane, and is utterly miserable at the thought that Abner Gray will be put to death because she told of the ring. In desperation she appeals to a lawyer for advice. He tells her that it is on her testimony alone that the prosecution will attempt to convict Abner of the murder of Gershom, and that there is no way by which a person can evade giving testimony, the only exception to this being that under the laws of this State a wife is not permitted to testify in a trial of her husband. Alene then sees how she may save Abner, if they are married before he can be brought to trial she cannot be compelled to testify and he cannot be convicted. Beyond this primary fact, she does not consider the effect of the marriage as pertaining to herself, to her it appears only as a formality. She acts with decision, and before the furious prosecuting attorney can interfere, she is Abner Grays wife. Abner is still held in jail, and Alene returns to the Duncan house. Here she finds a note signed, Robert Dane directing her to come at once to a certain lonely old mill, and she immediately sets out. This note is a forgery, having been sent by Clara. Gilbert Jeromes former flame, who, mad with jealousy, has determined to take Alenes life. Meanwhile, Dane has learned through the press of the arrest of Abner and of the fact that Dr. Duncan and his wife have been subjected to quarantine, and is hurrying back to the village, apprehensive of what may happen to Alene while alone. Alene arrives at the abandoned mill, and is lured into the building by Clara, who tells her that Dane is waiting. Clara opens a door, gives Alene a violent shove into the room, and laughs in wild triumph. The rotten floor boards give way and Alene plunges into a deep pool of slimy water. EPISODE 6: Having learned through the press of the murder charge against Abner Gray and of the quarantining of Dr. Duncan and his wife, Robert Dane hurries back to Elmhurst and directly to the Duncan home. He finds the forged note, and realizes that some danger threatens Alene. He sets out for the old mill, and when passing the county jail encounters Abner, who has been released, the prosecuting attorney realizing that, without Alenes testimony, he cannot even indict Abner. Dane shows the note and tells of his fears, and the two men hurry to the abandoned mill, arriving in time to hear Alenes despairing cries as she sinks in the stagnant water of the hidden pool. Dane and Abner rush into the building, and are trapped by Clara as Alene had been. Clara then hurries away, seeking Gilbert Jerome. Gilbert is at the village hotel, having just returned from the performance of a characteristic deed. He coolly ignores the angry protests of certain villagers and informs then that the silver cup which he has taken is as much his as anyone elses. Clara tells Gilbert that she has killed Alene, but that no one will suspect it was not an accident that caused the girls death, and calms his rage by reminding him that his fortune is made safe by her act. Gilberts satisfied greed salves his disappointed passion, and, with Clara, he takes the train for the city. Meanwhile, the old mill has been the scene of an heroic sacrifice. Abner Gray, given more than human strength by his great love for Alene, his wife only in name, has saved her from apparently certain death, and at the same time restored Robert Dane to life, while he, despite efforts of Dane, perishes. Dane conducts Alene to the Duncan home, and learns that Clara and Gilbert Jerome have left the village. Alene is sorely grieved at the death of Abner, but it is a grief such as she would have felt for a well-loved brother, not a lover, and it is with a longing that is growing day by day that she wistfully whispers to herself, Surely Robert Dane will take me now? But Dane has blinded his own hungry heart, and does not understand. EPISODE 7: Supposing Alene, Dane and Abner Gray to have died in the trap set by Clara, Gilbert Jerome and the woman leave the village. Their train is wrecked and Clara is killed outright. Gilbert is also reported killed, though he is in fact uninjured and proceeds to his home, taking the silver cup with him. Danes financial ruin is complete, and it is necessary that he find employment. Thinking that no further danger menaces Alene, he enlists the services of a kindly old lady who promises to look after the girl, and departs for the city. Believing that Alenes fancy for him has already died, Dane thinks it will be best for her as well as for himself to allow her to forget him, and does not even inform her of his address. It is not long after Danes departure that Alene is told that Doctor Duncan and his wife are dead, and the Duncan home is seized by the sheriff on behalf of Duncans creditors. The timid old lady engaged by Dane is incapable of rising to the situation, and leaves Alene to the disposition of the officer, who brutally tells her that she is to go to the poor-farm. Surely Robert Dane will take me now, she soliliquises, and with simple faith steals away to seek him. She does not even vaguely comprehend the magnitude of this undertaking. She knows only that Dane has gone to the city, and has been told that the highway from the village leads there. In the city Dane is vainly striving to put from his heart the love which he thinks can only bring him sorrow, and Gilbert Jerome is savagely cursing the fate which, as he thinks, has made him secure in the possession of his stolen fortune but robbed him of the girl of his desire. When darkness falls Alene is far along her lonely road, weary, penniless and utterly ignorant of the ways or dangers of the world. EPISODE 8: Robert Dane has not met with success in the city, failing to secure employment and receiving an offer of but a thousand dollars for a chemical formula which he knows to be worth a fortune. Moreover, he is rendered miserable by what he persists in regarding as his futile love for Alene. He becomes obsessed with the idea that the girl is again in danger, and obeys an impulse to return to the village. He has, in fact, heard, with the strange power of one soul attuned with another, the wistful whisper of the girl, alone in the world, I am so weary and afraid. Cant you hear me, Robert Dane! When he reaches the village he learns that Alene has disappeared, leaving no trace. Crushed with fear and grief, he searches in vain for some clue. Meanwhile, Alene has been carried to the city by a kindly farmer bound for the market. She is seen by Gilbert Jerome, who forgets the danger to his fortune in the revival of his passionate hopes and his delight in finding that Alene still lives. Gilberts plans are temporarily balked, however, by the interference of Daisy, a show girl, who knows through sad experience the fate that threatens Alene, and who takes her under her protection. In order that she may keep watch over her protégé, Daisy secures for Alene a place in the chorus of the show with which she is engaged, devoting her spare time to a search for Dane. Gilbert succeeds in having Daisy discharged and so separating her from Alene, it being necessary, inasmuch as Daisy is entirely without funds, that Alene retain her position. Realizing that the only practical hope of locating Dane is to trace him from a logical starting point, Daisy goes to Elmhurst. Gilbert has by this time completed his plans, and lures Alene to his house. Totally unconscious of the trap into which she has been led, Alene joyously awaits the promised coming of Dane and readily agrees to have supper while so waiting. She observes on the sideboard the silver cup taken by Gilbert from the mineral spring, and, taking it up, reproaches him for having removed it from the place where it had so long remained undisturbed. Taking the cup from her, Gilbert fills it with wine, and with the statement that always he takes whatever he may want, drinks. An instant later he reels and falls, and the butler, rushing to his assistance, draws back in dazed fright, whispering, He is dead! EPISODE 9: Upon reaching the village of Elmhurst, Daisy, the show-girl and self-appointed guardian of Alene, inquires of the first man she sees where she can obtain information concerning Robert Dane. It is to Dane himself that the inquiry has been addressed, he having been forced to abandon as hopeless his efforts to trace Alene and being on the point of returning to the city. With the skill of long experience, Daisy readily reads Danes character, and, satisfied, informs him that Alene is safe and offers to conduct him to her. Reaching the city, Daisy and Dane proceed to Daisys room and then to the theater in search of Alene. At the latter place they learn from the doorkeeper, who has overheard the address given to the driver of the taxi in which Alene was taken away, that the girl has gone to Gilbert Jeromes house. In an agony of apprehension they hurry to the house, arriving at about the same instant that Gilbert drains the silver cup. They are, of course unaware of what is taking place, and enlist the aid of an officer, on whom Daisys frantically earnest appeals make an impression. The officer goes to the side of the house, where he can look into the dining room, while Dane and Daisy force their way past the servant who opens the front door. The officer looks in the window just as the horrified butler announces that Gilbert Jerome is dead. Dane and Daisy reach the dining room just as the officer springs in at the window and assumes charge of the situation. Alene feels no grief at Gilberts death, and pretends no regret, but ignoring the incident, is entirely happy to again meet Dane. A telephoned report to the police station bring detectives and a doctor and the latter at once declares Gilbert dead, and further, that he obviously died from some unusual poison. The brief investigation conducted on the spot seems to point conclusively to the guilt of Alene, and her unconventional manner and words count heavily against her. At the police station, she is held on a charge of murder, Dane, Daisy, the butler and Gilberts footman being detained as witnesses for the inquest. Dane, realizing how strong is the circumstantial evidence against Alene, is hearthroken, but the girl herself is only bewildered that she should be shut in a prison cell. EPISODE 10: The death of Gilbert Jerome attracts great attention, and the grand jury acts promptly, indicting Alene for murder. her trial is set for an early date. Robert Dane is almost in despair, for though sure that Alene is innocent, he realizes that a terrible array of circumstantial evidence will be brought against her. The show girl, Daisy, has not faltered in her friendship for Alene. A great change has taken place in Daisys character since her meeting with Alene, and, sickened by the contrast between her own sad past and Alenes innate purity, she has bravely determined that she will rebuild her wrecked life and that henceforth there shall be in it nothing of sorrow or shame. Also, for the first time, she knows the meaning of real love. Though she gives no sign, Dane has completely filled her hungry heart. In order to obtain money with which to engage a noted lawyer to defend Alene, Dane sells for a thousand dollars his chemical formula, which is really worth a fortune. Soon after, Alenes trial takes place. As Dane feared, the State is able to forge a strong chain of circumstantial evidence, in which even Danes testimony is a link. It is proved that the poison which killed Gilbert Jerome was contained in the silver cup, and that this cup was handed him by Alene. Her honest indifference to Gilberts fate is regarded as a demonstration of utter callousness, and her weary bewilderment is construed as the blasé indifference of the hardened criminal, the veil of mystery shrouding her life to within the past few months being pointed to with sinister suggestion. The lawyer engaged by Dane stakes everything on the personal appeal which Alene may make to the jury, but when she is called upon to tell her own story, she says simply, Everything was just as has been said, but I do not know what killed Gilbert Jerome. Very shortly the jury returns its verdict: guilty, and in an agony of horror, Dane hears the girl whom he now realizes is more precious to him than life and all things else that life may hold, condemned to be hanged by the neck until she is dead. EPISODE 11: The date set for the execution of Alene for the murder of Gilbert Jerome is only one day off, and there appears no hope of saving her, the governor having refused to intervene. With a desperate effort, Robert Dane shakes off the stupor of despair which has numbed his brain and strains every faculty in an effort to find the key to the mystery. He is absolutely sure of Alenes complete innocence and that she is the victim of strange circumstances. Suddenly a light seems to break through the darkness, but so strange and startling is its suggestion that he is almost forced to regard it as an insane fancy rather than a logical deduction. Yet, to every test of reasoning, the idea persists, and he realizes that, assuming Alenes innocence, it must be the truth, and that in the silver cup is the secret of Gilberts death. The mysterious words upon the cup assume meaning as he now recalls them: Drink without a fear / Life I promise here / But death to whoso dare / Touch his lips elsewhere. Dane appeals to the court officials for permission to experiment with the cup, but is told that it is a part of the records and cannot be permitted in his possession. He realizes that to urge his theory without positive proof would be utterly futile, but does not for an instant abandon his plan to save the girl he loves from the gallows. He makes a quick trip to Elmhurst, returning with a flask of water from the mineral spring, and when the courthouse is untenanted except for a night watchman, undertakes to steal the silver cup, from the court records. He succeeds in gaining possession of the cup, but is fired upon by the watchman, who also sends in a police call. Dane, with the cup, reaches his room, though he is badly wounded. The court officials recall Danes effort to borrow the cup, and the description given by the watchman identifies Dane as the thief. Detectives at once set out for his lodging house. Meanwhile, ignoring the wound through which his lifeblood is being drained away, Dane works with desperate swiftness to prove by chemical analysis and coordination that his startling theory is fact. There is little time to lose; it is now a matter of hours only before the law will demand of Alene her life. EPISODE 12: Alenes apparently inevitable fate is a crushing horror to Daisy. Besides this, Daisy realizes that Robert Danes whole life is centered upon Alene and will be utterly blasted if she suffers the terrible penalty which the law has imposed. Unable to endure the suspense alone, Daisy goes to Danes lodging house late in the night preceding the day set for Alenes execution, and finds him staggering with weakness from the wound inflicted by the night watchman, but triumphant at having solved the mystery of Gilbert Jeromes death. A few moments after detectives arrive to arrest Dane for the theft of the silver cup. Vainly Dane tells them of his discovery, but they regard his story as the wild fancy of a disordered mind, and refuse to permit him to appeal to the Governor. Dane makes a frantic effort to escape, but is overpowered. While the officers struggle with Dane, Daisy turns off the light, and flees down the fire escape, taking the silver cup and flask of water from the mineral spring. She is pursued, but eludes the detective by clambering aboard a passing freight train. Daisy enlists the sympathy of a brakeman, and is permitted to make the trip to the State capital on the top of a box car. Arriving in the capital at dawn, Daisy locates the residence of the Governor, but realizing that ordinary means would not gain her an interview at this hour, she breaks into the house, purposely making noise enough to arouse the inmates. The Governor listens to her story with incredulity, directs that she be turned over to the police, and Daisy realizes there is but one course remaining. In half an hour Alene will be executed, and Daisy believes that Dane will not live afterward. She carefully explains Danes contention that the poison which killed Gilbert Jerome is contained in the metal of the cup; that this unknown poison is neutralized and even made a beneficial tonic when acted upon by the minerals contained in the water of the spring beside which the cup hung, but is deadly when these neutralizing minerals are not present. She fills the cup from the flask of mineral water and drinks, without harm, but a cupful of water from the Governors own carafe proves Danes theory true, and Daisy has given her life that those she loved might live. As Alene is led from the cell to the scaffold, word comes that the Governor has granted a reprieve. EPISODE 13: Seriously wounded, Robert Dane lays in the hospital, a screen separating his cot from the next. On this cot lies Professor Gershom, who disappeared on the day Alene left the House of Secrets, and who was supposed to have been murdered; even Caleb Jerome, the man who struck him down, having been so convinced of his victims death that his conscience had brought about his own end. Gershom had been rescued from the river, into which his supposedly lifeless body was thrown by Caleb Jerome, and for long weeks has lain in a comatose state in the hospital. His consciousness now returning, he becomes aware that on the other side of the screen someone is speaking. It is a nurse reading aloud to Dane the newspaper announcement that Alene has been pardoned and is to be released. From the article, Gershom gets an idea of the events that have transpired since his disappearance, and finding strength in his iron will, rises and demands his discharge from the hospital. While waiting in the office, Gershom learns the date, and also discovers the famous silver cup, which has been sent to a specialist in poisons, for experimental purposes. Possessing himself of the cup, Gershom escapes undetected, and reaches the jail just as Alene is made free. The girl finds no happiness in her escape from death. She is unaware of the part played by Dane in her deliverance, and is brokenhearted at the thought that in her hour of peril he deserted her. She shows no surprise at the reappearance of Gershom, and allows him to conduct her to the office of a distinguished old lawyer, Madison, whose name Gershom is able to recall. Gershom tells the lawyer of the case he wishes to put into his hands; that the fortune supposed to belong to Caleb Jerome was really held in secret trust, to be given Alene, the rightful owner, should she be living on this, the day she is of age. With a penknife he cuts out the bottom of the silver cup, disclosing the fact that this bottom is double, and from the space between the bottom takes several documents and a wonderful jewel, all of which he places in the lawyers hands. As he reads, Madisons expression changes from incredulity to amazed conviction. Gravely Gershom rises, bows to the weary and indifferent girl, who seems to take no interest in the strange revelations concerning herself, and replies: This is her Royal Highness the Princess Alene, rightful heiress to her fathers crown and the throne of Urania. EPISODE 14: To Madison and Alene, Professor Gershom tells the story of Alene. The King of Urania honored me with his friendship, and I was not unknown as a scientist, eighteen years ago. He tells them of the splendor of the court of the Balkan kingdom, of the high pride and noble courage of the king, and of his great love for the baby princess Alene, his only child; of how, realizing that the throne would soon fall, and wishing to save his child from the fate that he, the king, could not, in pride, evade, the monarch had secretly transferred to America his private fortune, to be held in trust until claimed by Alene on the day she became of age. How, soon after, came the terror of the revolution, when the king, sword in hand, died at the foot of his throne, and Gershom, in fulfillment of his trust, and despite a terrible blow upon the head from the weapon of a revolutionist, escaped with the baby princess, and eventually reached America, demented, but with one idea persisting and controlling his life; to protect the child. Gershom at once discovered that the secret trustee, Caleb Jerome, planned to steal the fortune, and, if necessary, murder the child, and fled in a panic of fear, hiding in the village of Elmhurst, where he bought a lonely house and reared the child, the secret of her existence being unguessed by the villagers. The documents proving her identity he placed in the double bottom of a cup he made from a silver alloy into which he introduced a deadly poison only neutralized by the mineral water of a local spring, beside which he place the cup. At last, Caleb Jerome found Gershoms hiding place, and in an effort to discover and destroy the documents, resorted to an attempt at murder. His blow, however, eventually restored to Gershom the sanity wrecked by the revolutionists club, and, in time, Gershom saw all things clearly, so that now he placed the matter in the hands of a lawyer. Madison assures Gershom and Alene that, with the documents the recovery of the fortune is a simple matter, and takes Alene to his home, where she is kindly received by the lawyers wife. Gershom, once more a shrewd and ambitious man, familiar with the political intrigues of Europe, hurries away on business, the nature of which he does not disclose. He has conceived a bold idea, suggested by the news of the day; that the Republic of Urania has declared it will remain neutral in the great war, rejecting the overtures of the Hervo-Alesian Empire to become an ally, and that the old Royalist party is reviving and urging that Urania form an alliance with the Empire and enter the war. EPISODE 15: So soon as Robert Dane has regained sufficient strength to leave the hospital, he is brought to trial for stealing the cup from the court records, and, upon his admission, is sentenced to pay a fine of $1,000 or serve six months in the penitentiary, the court pointing out that, though the circumstances were unusual, the law cannot permit the interference by an individual with established forms. Being unable to pay the fine, Dane is transferred to a cell pending his removal to the penitentiary. Meanwhile Alene has learned of the part played by Dane in her rescue from the gallows, and the thought that she will soon be wealthy and able to save him from the consequences of his acts fills her with happiness. She soon learns, however, that she is not to be wealthy, the lawyer Madison sadly informing her that her fortune has been thrown away on wildcat securities not worth the claiming. Alene possesses nothing of value except the jewel which has been preserved with the documents in the sup, and this she gives to Madison, asking that he sell it and buy Danes freedom. Gershom has, through the local Consul, gotten in communication with the Hervo-Alesian Ambassador, and this official has communicated with his government and received instructions. Accompanied by Gershom, he seeks Alene, and reaches the Madison home at about the same time that Dane, released through Madisons efforts, arrives. The Ambassador desires a private audience, but Alene tells him to speak before her friends, of not at all. He tells her that he bears a message from the Emperor; that if Alene will agree to wed a prince of Hervo-Alesia, and to become an ally of the Empire, the Emperors armies will restore the monarchy and place Alene upon her fathers throne as Queen of Urania; that her answer must be given now, and once for all. Dane listens with breaking heart. For a time Alene is silent, looking into the face of Robert Dane, and then she asks softly, Do you love me? Again Gershom interposes with a warning cry, She is a queen. It is her destiny! And Dane says, while his soul dies, I do not love you. For long the girl looks into Danes eyes, then turns to the waiting Ambassador and gives her answer: Your Emperors aid is not needed, for I have already come into my kingdom. Their protests silenced by a gesture, all save Dane file slowly from the room. When they are alone, Alene turns shyly to the man for whose love she has sacrificed a throne. He is dazed, but into this face comes a great light as she whispers, Now, now I am only a girl, Robert Dane, and he draws her close against his heart.

The story of a man's gratitude to a snake for saving his life: He takes the snake home to live with him and then conceives the idea of having the snake kill the man who stole his sweetheart. He places it in the other man's bed. But when the little daughter of the girl he had once loved creeps into the bed, he has a change of heart.

Bud Carter and his sister Nell, live among the foot-hills of Texas, near the little town of Sandson. They are the only remaining members of a family, which for years had lived in Southern Tennessee where they plied the rather hazardous industry of manufacturing illicit whiskey, doing a fair business. The appearance of illicit whiskey has not escaped the eagle eye of the sheriff, and he wires the facts to the Chief of the Revenue Office for the section. Delmer Campbell is sent to co-operate with the sheriff in breaking up the still and arresting the offender. Upon his arrival Campbell, disguised as a convict, gets the sheriff and his posse to pursue him past the Carter homestead. The pretended convict pleads with Bud to save him, which he does. An unlooked-for complication arises when Nell falls in love with the disguised revenue officer. Campbell is quick to use the opening thus offered to aid him in his work and takes advantage of it. The result is that he falls in love with the girl, but is not willing to relinquish his task of jailing the brother. Campbell tells Bud that his sister and himself are lovers and contemplate marriage. Suspicious by nature, Bud suggests that the marriage had better take place at once and backs up the suggestion with a significant movement toward his gun. Campbell is in a dilemma. To refuse would probably cost him his life and anyhow would certainly mean the defeat of all his plans to capture the moonshiner. He consents and the party seek the nearest parson, where the knot is tied. Bud welcomes him as one of the family and shows him the still as well as gives him all information regarding its operation. Campbell then seeks the sheriff and the still is raided and Carter arrested. Campbell returns to St. Louis, cruelly abandoning his young wife. Two years pass, Bud is serving his sentence. The heart-broken wife is striving to support a little stranger which has come to her. Campbell has been made chief of the St. Louis Bureau. His conscience, however, gives him no rest. Finally he can stand it no longer. He returns and the little woman forgives. Shortly after, Bud Is released and returns with a firm determination to kill the man who betrayed him. His first thought is for his sister. He goes to Sandson, and, entering the house, finds Campbell. Bud picks a knife from the table and a struggle begins. It is interrupted by Nell, who with the baby in her arms, enters the room and interposes herself between the two men. At first Bud is obdurate but the baby finally wins a way into his rugged heart and prompts him to forgive.

The wild man is not wild, at least when he starts out to be. Nothing could be less suggestive of wildness than the fun-loving college boy who is induced by his chums to turn professional freak. There is a circus in town and when the boys find a masquerade suit dropped by some guest at a ball just closing about sunrise they conceive the idea of getting one of their number up in the wild man suit and selling him to the circus proprietor as a side show attraction. Jim Hanley is something of an athlete and shines in college theatricals, so he is appointed the wild man while another chap assumes the role as manager and starts off for the circus to negotiate with the proprietor. The man who owns the side show is quite willing to buy a wild man or anything else that will add to the daily receipts and expresses a desire to see the freak. The boys go back for Jim and presently make their appearance on the lot towing the wild man along on a chain. He is pretty convincing looking wild man to an outsider but the old showman knows a lot about the manufacture of Egyptian mummies, three legged boys and things like that and it takes him just about 1/27th part of a second to determine that the boys are trying to have some fun with him. A wild man with burnt corked hands and a white face isn't regarded in show circles as a strictly high grade wild man suitable for a forty-car show, and the manager decides that since the boys are looking for fun he will see to it that they have all they want. Taking Jim into the tent he sends back word that he will try out the freak at the matinee and make the purchase if the audience finds the new attraction to its liking. The others go off in gleeful anticipation of the fun they are going to have at the afternoon show guying Jim, but they are denied this little amusement for as soon as Jim is inside he is thrust into an empty cage and is given a gorilla for company. This is rather more than he bargained for and so Jim goes away from there with some difficulty and in a great hurry. The gorilla is about three feet behind him as he makes the start but he gets a better lead once he is in the open and heads for the dormitory. Terror lends wings to his feet and he makes all sorts of short cuts, through windows, over pedestrians, street stands and whatnot until he distances the gorilla and panting and worn out arrives at the college. Not until he reaches the room does he feel safe and recites the story of his perils to his chums. But the gorilla is not through with him yet, for a hairy face appears at the window, as uncouth form tumbles through the sash and as the boys are about to give themselves up to a painful death the gorilla removes his mask and with the proprietor's compliments explains that the wild man's wildness is not of the proper sort to make him acceptable to a circus management. It's about as good a laugh as you've had lately and we've been generous with laughs at that.

A kindhearted criminal saves the life of the sheriff's daughter and is allowed to make it across the state line in order to avoid jail.

A falling-out between a man and his ambitious wife results in their splitting up and moving far apart. She pursues a career as an actress, taking their son with her to Europe. Alone, they are miserable and they reminisce nostalgically for when they were together.

John Arthur, lawyer, has in his care the immense fortune left by Chas. Bristol for his daughter Lottie. So great was old Bristol's confidence in the young lawyer, that he made it a condition of his will that John could use his own discretion in finally turning the money over to his daughter. The income she is to receive, but the principal is to remain under the watchful eye of John Arthur until Lottie is married to a man who in John's estimation would be capable of managing the fortune. John has seen the girl on several occasions relative to business and her beauty appealed to him although thoughts of love never enter his mind. But when a foreigner Count Borni comes and courts Lottie, John becomes conscious of feelings he doesn't understand. Just as a matter of business, however, he writes to a London firm inquiring about the Count's reputation. He learns that the Count is a profligate and a bankrupt. John finds that Lottie has already lost her heart to the Count and all his warnings are in vain. The Count, of course, expects Lottie's millions will be turned over to him upon their marriage, but John refuses to relinquish control of the money. Lottie's governess is crafty; she proposes to the Count that she will get the money from John providing he (the count), will pay her $10,000 after his marriage to Lottie. The Count accepts the proposition and signs an agreement. The governess poisons Lottie's mind against John and Lottie accuses him of wishing to control her fortune for his own personal reasons. Angered, John relinquishes the fortune to Lottie. The Count's plans are somewhat disordered by a sudden notion on Lottie's part to be married abroad. John learns of a passage to Europe suddenly booked by Lottie and the Count. He realizes that he loves the girl. He does not hope to win her, but determines to prevent the Count's taking advantage of her innocence. The news comes an hour before sailing time. Too late to arrange for first class passage, but driven by grim purpose, he buys a steerage ticket. He meets the Count, Lottie and governess while they are on tour of the ship. Arriving at their destination he follows the Count to a gambling house in the hopes of finding an opportunity to expose him. The Count loses money supplied by the governess but boasts to his friends about his conquest of an heiress. He holds Lottie's picture up to the gaze of the gamblers, He does not see John until John snatches the picture from him and knocks him down. A duel is fought in which John is wounded. The next day Lottie overhears an argument between the Count and the governess which opens her eyes. She finds John in a hospital. On his recovery Lottie makes him her guardian for life.

After having endured the abuse of her drunken husband as long as she could. Ethel Marsden left him and went west to teach school in a mining camp. Mack, a miner, fell in love with the attractive eastern girl. Ethel was attracted to the honest, tender, strong man. Still, she did not forget that she was a married woman. Mack thought she liked him yet could not understand her coolness at times. Ethel was afraid to tell him, for fear she would lose her position. Then one day, Ethel's husband arrived in town, and found his way out to her school and found her in conversation with Mack. He started to abuse her and the young miner came to her defense. Of course, Mack did not know that this was her husband. Determined to get revenge for his humiliations before his wife, Harry Marsden plotted with two greasers. Ethel overheard the plot, by which a decoy note was to be sent to Mack, purporting to come from Ethel, asking him to meet her at the schoolhouse. Mack received the note and went to the schoolroom, where Ethel's husband and the two greasers pounced upon him. After a terrific struggle, the young miner was bound and gagged. Meanwhile, Ethel had reached the sheriff's office and notified that officer of the plot. The sheriff quickly called together a posse and arrived at the schoolhouse, where the three men were just about to put an end to the young miner. Ethel's husband in attempting to escape, was shot by the sheriff and killed. Thus in an instant the young woman found a solution to more than one difficult problem. By the death of her husband, she was at once freed from a brute, and put in a position where she could marry the man of her choice.

George and Bill were pals on a western ranch, and both were deeply in love with Dorothy. Dorothy, in reality, loved George best. One day, word came that George's mother was dying in the east, and he started for home, but not before he had placed an engagement ring on Dorothy's finger. After he reached home, his mother died, and a few days later, George himself fell sick with a fever. He rapidly grew worse, and finally the doctors told him that he could not recover. He then dictated a letter to Dorothy and one to Bill, telling each of his sickness. Bill got the two letters. He read his own, and then, being madly in love with Dorothy, he destroyed the other, and told her that George had forgotten her. Believing this, Dorothy consented to become Bill's wife. But George did not die. After several months he recovered. He decided to surprise Dorothy, and set out for the west. But alas! For the surprise which he had in mind. It was George himself who was surprised, for he arrived just after Dorothy and Bill had been married. Dorothy's father met him and told him that the kindest thing he could do would be to get away without letting Dorothy know of his recovery. In utter wretchedness, George acquiesced and walked away, out into the desert. Then Dorothy's father called Bill aside and upbraided him for his deception. Dorothy overheard the conversation. She told Bill that she could never love a man who was guilty of duplicity. She commanded him to try to find George. Bill, overcome with remorse, started out to find his former rival. He discovered him almost dead from thirst. At first, George repulsed him, but finally they clasped hands. Bill insisted that George drink all the water. Then they attempted to struggle back to the ranch. On the way, Bill was overcome, sank to the earth and finally died. George was also near death, but was discovered later by a searching party, just in time to save his life. Dorothy, being freed by the death of Bill, became the bride of George.

Lena's dancing causes jealousy between her boyfriend and a tango champion.

A group of tramps lure the police force out on a chase. They take over the nearly-empty police station and throw the police chief out the window.

At college, Jack is spending his dad's money and not studying. When dad comes for a visit, Jack gets one of his friends to dress as a woman and flirt with his father. Another friend pretends to be the jealous husband, forcing dad to buy his way out of trouble.

In Chapter 8, "A Partner To Providence", His lordship rides a train that is mistakenly rerouted into a headlong collision into another engine, with the well-worn Lubin train crash footage ensuing. He's pulled out of the wreck and recuperates with a rural family. He recuperates enough to win a fight with a crook at the end.

A society woman gambles at cards.

Mandy Hawkins received a letter from an employment office in her home town notifying her that her application for a position as maid of all work had been received and that she should report to a certain address in the city where she would be employed. Mandy put on her best clothes and departed for the railroad station. Now, it so happened that Joe Blackton, who had just become engaged, was sending his sweetheart on a visit to his parents, who also lived in the city. It also happened that Miss Jordan was to take the same train as Mandy, but on the way to the station Miss Jordan lost the letter of introduction which Joe had given her to his parents. Mandy found it and put it in her pocket. Arriving in the city the simple-minded Mandy drew the letter out of her pocket and presented it to some people who were waiting in a large touring car. By mistake she gave them the letter which Miss Jordan had lost instead of the one from the employment office. The folks could hardly believe that their son had been attracted by such a crude girl as Mandy, but they knew that Joe would arrive in the evening, and decided to make the best of things until he arrived. Mandy was entertained royally with automobile rides, a big dinner and so on. She was just about deciding that being a maid of all work was the finest position in the world when Joe arrived, accompanied by his fiancée. The explanations were made. The old folks were satisfied with their son's choice. Mandy showed her letter from the employment office and went to work in earnest.

The scene is laid in one of the trading posts of the Hudson Bay Company and the young factor, Malcolm Young, loves Utoka, the pretty daughter of the chief of a nearby tribe. Jules Laprese also loves the girl and the half-breed hates Malcolm as much as he loves the pretty Indian maiden. Only Utoka's watchfulness saves the young factor's life on several occasions and this loving care is relaxed only when Jules brings her a letter and photograph which he has stolen from the factor. The picture is that of a beautiful young white girl and the loving message that accompanies it leaves small room for question of the factor's lack of good faith. Utoka is prostrated by grief and Jules leads her father to believe that a more serious wrong has been wrought by the head of the trading post. With his braves the old chief captures the factor and drags him, a prisoner, to the camp where Malcolm is put to torture before the fire is to mercilessly end his sufferings. Meanwhile Utoka, who cannot believe her lover guilty, seeks the post and discovers what has taken place. With the good father, the missionary who keeps pace with the advance of the Hudson Bay posts, Utoka returns to the camp and saves the life of the factor. He proves that the letter was from his sister and not from some sweetheart in Montreal and the half-breed is made to suffer punishment for the affront he has put upon the tribe.

Sam is the police chief, but at home his wife is the boss.

"Never part with this cross; it was your father's." These were the last words of Paul Darner's mother as she placed the cross about his neck. A few months later the young clergyman accepts an offer to take a parish at Glenwood, with an invitation to make his home with John Temple, a wealthy churchman. There he meets Iris, daughter of Temple, and Mary Gray, her cousin. Mary immediately falls in love with Paul, but the latter soon becomes infatuated with Iris, though she is very indifferent toward the young clergyman until she learns from the dashing widow, Mrs. Brunton, of Mary's love for him. Iris then determines, as a matter of conquest, to win the minister. When Paul declares his love for Iris, Temple readily gives his consent. Through the persistent pleas of the lively widow, Iris is led to accept her invitations as of old, and it was due to her failure to return home at the proper hour on one occasion which prompted her father to go in search of her. Instead of Iris being at Mrs. Brunton's home, he found her at a fashionable café, inebriated. Taking her home, they are met by the clergyman-husband, who now learns for the first time of his wife's weakness, but promptly forgives her upon her promise to break from Mrs. Brunton and her set. Later, when Paul decides to visit Dr. Banks at his old home, Iris takes advantage of his absence by giving, a card party to Mrs. Brunton and her friends. Wine flows freely. Paul returns unexpectedly and discovers them. A violent quarrel ensues, resulting in Iris leaving and going to Mrs. Brunton's. All efforts to bring her back are futile. Iris goes from bad to worse. A rejected suitor, Clifford Moore, is a steady visitor at the Brunton home. Paul grows desperate at his wife's absence and, in a fit of despondency, tears away his holy vestments, but when he attempts to destroy the cross, Mary prevents. Completely crazed, Paul grabs a bottle from the sideboard and drains it. Unnerved by what he has witnessed, the father, John Temple, falls dead. Later Paul meets Clifford in a gambling house and, accusing him for his wife's desertion, attacks him, declaring that he "will kill him." The men are separated and Paul put out. Clifford leaves the resort, a heavy winner that night, and is followed by Cardwell, a gambler and crook, who waylays, robs and murders him. When the crime is discovered Paul is readily suspected, arrested and tried. Many witnesses testify to hearing Paul's threat at the gambling house. All hope vanishes until Mary Gray, regardless of public opinion, swears to Paul's presence in her own home the night of the crime. Her story is proved and Paul is finally freed, just as word comes that Iris is dying in an old tenement basement, where she has taken refuge. Mary and Paul arrive at the bedside just as Iris is breathing her last. A few months pass. Mary is now a nurse in a hospital. Paul, repenting for the life he has been leading, calls upon Mary, who returns to him the cross upon hearing him declare that he is going to preach in foreign lands and wants her to accompany him as his wife. Convinced of his sincerity, Mary capitulates, and with Paul in full vestment once more they journey onward, placing their trust in "The Power of the Cross."

During a rehearsal of his new play, Peter Richards recognizes in Mary Walters a well-known leading lady of 20 years before. She has met with reverses and is now employed as wardrobe woman in the company which is producing his play. On opening night, the play is a failure, and the manager who financed it decides to take it off immediately. Mary Walters is the only one in the theater who has feeling enough to show sympathy for the author in his misfortune. An extra girl's chance remark gives Peter an idea for another play, which he writes and calls "Granny," and he has enough confidence in Mary Walters' ability to offer her the leading part, which she gratefully accepts. Confident of its success, Peter's ambition is to produce "Granny" at the same theater where his former play met with such complete failure, but the manager refuses to produce it and Peter is forced to sell his home in order to secure enough money to put on the play. During his days of trouble Peter sees Mary's worth and as he walks with her to the theater on the opening night, they pass a quaint little church and Peter asks her to share the future with him, no matter what the night may bring them. Mary consents and they enter the rectory and are quietly married, after which they go to the theater for the opening performance. Peter's judgment is vindicated and the play is a hit.

Misunderstandings abound when a minister's son and an actress become engaged.

Harry Waters, a detective in the employ of a New York agency, is assigned to the task of locating Annie Rowley, whose godmother in England has willed her a hundred thousand dollars. Before they left England the Rowley family had been mill workers, so the detective begins a search of mills in the cities. He locates Annie in Philadelphia, but conceives the idea of winning the girl's heart before telling of her good fortune, with the idea of gaining control of the money himself. His plans are well laid and he succeeds in impressing the girl, much to the sorrow of Jim Graham, her "poor but honest" sweetheart. The Rowley family is a large one, but it doesn't daunt the detective. He lakes them all automobiling and otherwise makes a "good fellow" of himself. In Bing street, where the Rowleys live, Waters becomes known as "Annie Rowley's dude." Jim Graham is naturally suspicious of Waters, and one day confronts him, asking his object in courting Annie. Waters declares that he is a rich man and intends to marry the girl. Jim realizes that he has no right to interfere if Annie wants to marry Waters, who has wealth to offer, Jim decides to give up the girl. But when Waters finally proposes, Annie finds that her heart really belongs to Jim and hesitates to become engaged, despite the urging of Waters and her mother. She says she wants time to think. That night when Waters leaves her house, he has to pass a corner, the hangout of the neighborhood toughs. The toughs dislike "the dude" and pick a fight with him. Annie sees the fight from her doorstep, and rushes for assistance. She finds Jim and begs him for her sake, to save Waters from the gang. For her sake Jim goes to the rescue and is being beaten himself when the police arrive and arrest all hands. A cut over Jim's eyes is all Annie needs to know that she loves him. The prisoners are searched at the station house, papers are found on the detective which prove what he is and apprise Annie of her good fortune. Jim guesses she doesn't want him, now that she's rich, but she tells him she really loved him all the time and loves him more than ever now and needs a manager for the mill she's going to run.

A reformed woman shows a petty thief the righteous path by her good example.

Fred falls in love with an actress he sees on the stage so he buys an interest in the play and takes over the lead role.

Willie is made up as a cannibal for a movie. His sweetheart visits the studio, but doesn't recognize him, and flirts with Fred, Willie's rival. Still in makeup, Willie goes on a rampage. Fred runs off, leaving her in the hands of the cannibal. Willie reveals his identity and his sweetheart agrees to marry the 'cannibal.'