- At the death of Count de Beaulieu, his daughter Jeanne learns that her father had been the arch criminal known as The Phantom. The only other person who knew her father's identity was his lieutenant, Franz Leroux, who now demands that Jeanne marry him in return for his silence. She agrees and they go to America where Jeanne meets an old friend, Jane Elliot. Jeanne confides her secret to Jane, and the two decide to flee to Florida. When en route their train is wrecked and Jane killed, Jeanne, in order to protect herself from her criminal husband, assumes Jane's identity. Posing as Jane, she visits the Marstons and falls in love with Henry Marston. Soon after, Leroux arrives and Jeanne is forced to tell her story. While explanations are in progress, one of Leroux's confederates, whom he had double-crossed, kills the criminal. Henry then forgives Jeanne her deception and together they begin a new life.—Pamela Short
- Jane Elliot tells her friend, Jeanne de Beaulieu, that after she graduates from the convent school she will leave for America, to make her home with an aunt whom she has never seen. Later, in the dormitory, the two girls pour over the newspaper account of Paris' greatest criminal, "The Phantom," who is terrorizing the city with his bold robberies. Hearing footsteps, they hastily extinguish the light and cling together with fright, because of the terrible adventure they have just read. Meanwhile, Count de Beaulieu, Jeanne's father, is battling for his life, having been shot while making his getaway from the scene of his last escapade. His chief assistant, Franz Leroux, together with his deformed servant, "The Rat," holds his life in their hands. Leroux insists that he send for his daughter, and the Count agrees. At the school a pajama party is in progress when Jeanne receives the message. She hurries to Paris and finds her father dying. He urges that she marry Leroux. She refuses Leroux announces that she is no better than he, being the daughter of a convict. The Count confesses he is "The Phantom." Jeanne bows obedience 10 her father's wishes, and he falls back dead. A year later. Jeanne awaits her husband's return with fear and hate. "The Rat" announces the police are on their trail, and that they must leave for America. After they reach America Leroux forces Jeanne to assist him in his work. They enter a beautiful home, and Jeanne makes her way into a strange bedroom, while Leroux goes for the library safe. Gun in hand, turning her searchlight about, it rests on the word "Paris." Another instant and the room is a blaze of light. Dazed with astonishment, she sees Jane Elliot. Explanations follow. Jane grabs the revolver, and confronts Leroux and commands him to move on. Jane plans to have Jeanne accompany her to the home of her aunt, Mrs. Marston. Hiding in the shadows Leroux learns the girls' destination and plans to follow. The train is wrecked and Jane is killed. Jeanne decides to impersonate her friend. She removes the bracelet Leroux gave her and places it about Jane's arm. Leroux spies the bracelet, and tells "The Rat" that his wife has been killed in the wreck. Meantime, Jeanne has been received by Mrs. Marston and her son, Henry. Frank Van Dyk, a wealthy but unscrupulous bachelor, is introduced and claims to have known Miss Elliot abroad. He is puzzled, but keeps the mystery to himself. The acquaintance between Henry and Jeanne ripens into love, but when he proposes the girl realizes the impossibility. She confesses her love, but declares they never can be married. Van Dyk also proposes and on being refused, threatens to expose Jeanne if she doesn't marry him. Leroux picks the Marston home for his next haul. He is astonished to find his wife, who is talking to Van Dyk, the latter having forced an entrance into her room. Leroux informs Van Dyk that he is Jeanne's husband. Henry appears, and Jeanne explains how she was forced to marry Leroux and how she took Jane's name; that Van Dyk forced his attentions with threats of exposure. Ordering Van Dyk from the house, Henry turns to finish with Leroux, when a hand comes through the window, a gun is fired, and Leroux falls dead. Later "The Rat" is discovered writhing in pain. Confessing that Leroux double-crossed him, he falls back dead. Jeanne is leaving when Henry breaks the news of her husband's death, and explains that he loves her for herself alone.
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