- While waiting in a hotel lobby for instructions from his government, Ludwig Schumann, an agent of the Black Legion, is enchanted by Marion Washburn, the daughter of a Texas senator. As he is about to speak to the girl, Schumann is stunned to see a young American enter who could be his double. The American is James Walbert, whom Schumann's contact mistakes for the agent. The contact passes to Walbert a photograph of a woman spy, Wanda Bartell, whom the agent is to meet aboard a steamer. Walbert realizes the mistake and determines to protect his country. After overpowering Schumann, Walbert rushes to the steamer where he meets Wanda. Also aboard are Marion and her fiancé, Herbert Cornell, a Washington fop who is trying to prove his earnestness by transporting secret plans to New York. Arriving in New York, Wanda and Walbert report to the Black Legion headquarters where they are instructed to procure Cornell's plans. Wanda succeeds in drugging Cornell, but Walbert intervenes, seizes the plans and returns to headquarters, intent upon smashing the organization. He is greeted by Schumann, who has exposed the spy, and is hopelessly outnumbered until the police arrive, having been summoned by Marion.
- "Prettiest Girl I ever saw," says Ludwig Schumann of the Secret Service, as he catches sight of the young American at the desk of the Grand Hotel in Paris. He learns she is Marion, the daughter of Senator Washburn of Texas, and is engaged to marry Herbert Cornell, a favorite of Washington society, to whom her father has only one objection. He thinks Herbert has played the role of society butterfly too long, and it is time to prove he is made of sterner stuff. Therefore, he consented on the condition that Herbert take charge of the delivery of the plans for an international canal, and see that they reach the proper hands. Schumann is about to address Marion, when a young American enters. The spy is struck with the resemblance of the newcomer to himself. His stare attracts the stranger, who is also astonished at the likeness. The American is James Walbert. He sees Marion, and is attracted by her beauty. A small, dark man enters the hotel and gives Walbert a paper as he passes. Walbert realizes the occurrence is unusual, and goes to his room. He opens it and finds a woman's photograph, with instructions to take the steamer on which she is sailing that evening for America. Walbert, knowing that he has been mistaken for the other, decides to go through with the undertaking. Schumann meets the dark man, who says: "You will have to hurry if you want to make that steamer tonight." "What on earth are you talking about?" says Schumann, and is disconcerted to discover the agent has given the message to the wrong man. He ascends to the other's room, and Walbert looks up to see the muzzle of a revolver covering him. "Hand over the instructions you received," says a curt voice, and Walbert, bowing to the inevitable, raises his hands above his head. An interruption occurs, and Walbert overpowers his double, ties him securely, rushes for the nearest exit and springs into a taxi. On the steamer he sees Marion Washburn, the then Wanda Bartell, whom be recognizes from the photograph as his intended confederate. He makes himself known to her. Walbert realizes Marion is far more charming than he thought at first sight. He learns of her engagement to Herbert Cornell with a distinct pang. Arrived in New York, Walbert and Wanda report at the headquarters of the black Legion. They have learned that the plans have been entrusted to Cornell, and instruct Wanda to play the old, old game. It is the ancient passion of jealousy which Wanda calls to her aid. It is not hard for her to contrive an accidental meeting with young Cornell, and the upshot is an invitation to her rooms, and a toast to their better acquaintance. He remembered nothing after drinking the toast, and Wanda relieved him of the plans he carried. Then, as she contemplated his death-like face, a sob burst from her, and she covered her face with her hands. "Heaven help me. 1 love him," she confessed. "That's one reason why you'll hand me those plans. And the other is this," The voice was that of her "confederate," and "this" was the badge of the United States Secret Service. Snatching up Cornell's half empty glass, the woman drained it and fell at Walbert's feet. Walbert left the room, however, determined on rounding up the Black Legion single-handed. For days Marion had been disturbed by the sense of impending trouble. Many small things combined in her mind into a certainty that Herbert, and possibly Walbert, were in danger Meeting him on his way to the docks she had a sudden inspiration. Walbert, entering unsuspiciously after giving the password, was not prepared for the attack launched against him. Schumann had escaped, and wirelessed the news of the impersonation to headquarters. No match for the dozen men, Walbert was putting up a splendid fight when the police summoned by Marion burst into the place. The Black Legion had held its last meeting.
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