Christopher Race, in Italy, after bringing a party there in his car, Scarlet Runner, meets and becomes quite intimate with the Marchese Baria, a young man who has been in love with a young woman, but who has been turned down because of his failing health. Since then, Baria has had no desire to live. Christopher takes a liking to Baria and is amused by his story. He suggests that Baria accompany him on part of the return trip, knowing that the out-of-door life will benefit him. The Marchese sees a chance to become fatally ill through exposure to the cold air and accepts. On the trip, Baria improves annoyingly, but Race assures him that it is a mere flash of life before the end. One evening on a mountainous road, they come across a cart drawn by two horses with no driver. Women's articles, a glove and a ring among them, lead them to suspect that murder has been committed. They follow the horses to a small farmhouse. After being taken prisoners by the farmers, Baria and Christopher explain their position, and learn that the mysterious girl was a friend of the farmer's country, from which she was a political refugee. By means of Scarlet Runner, they follow and catch another auto bearing the girl and her abductors. A rescue is effected after a fight. Baria takes the girl and her father home with him, the girl to pose as his fiancée. On his return to England, Christopher receives a letter from the Marchese, saying that the girl is no longer posing as his fiancée; she is his wife.