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The Car of Chance Synopsis

Only a seven-passenger motor and $100, to be spent exclusively for gasoline or repairs, was Arnold Baird's share of his father's property. Light-hearted by nature, Baird made the most of his legacy and started a "jitney bus" line. When James Bennett, general manager of the Consolidated Traction Co., learned Baird had been practically cut off in his father's will, he informed Baird that his daughter would never marry a pauper and to go out and make his fortune. Bennett's decision suited Mrs. Bennett, who was eager to shine in society and planned to gain her ends by marrying Ruth to Wm. Mott-Smith, who controlled the traction company. When Ruth got the chance to tell Mr. Mott-Smith what she thought of him, she left no room for doubt. Ruth met Baird secretly and she was first to know of Baird's jitney-bus plans. Israel Helmstone, leader of organized labor, decided that the employees of the Consolidated Traction Co. deserved an increase in pay. Bennett refused Helmstone's demands and the labor leader called Baird into consultation. Helmstone's daughter, Wanda, employed as stenographer by Mr. Mott-Smith, furnished inside information that showed the weakness of Bennett's defense. The car strike was called and traffic paralyzed. The next morning the "Social Rapid Transit Company" sprang into operation. Mott-Smith, Bennett and their associates were filled with consternation. Baird's pals in society entered their cars for public patronage and "jitney bused" the traction company to its knees. When strike-breakers were called in there was nobody to ride, for the public preferred the limousines. When Bennett cried for mercy, Baird was the intermediary. Fate decreed that Baird should be the one to rush to Mott-Smith's office to rescue Wanda Helmstone from the clutches of the drunken society leper. Settling with Bennett was no hard matter for Baird. His terms were $10,000 a year for becoming assistant general manager and six months' vacation to enjoy a honeymoon on which Ruth was to be the bride.

A Stranger from Somewhere Synopsis

Howard Dana and his partner in adventures, Olga Veloski, discover that Sam Brockton, millionaire from the west, has arrived in town and they arrange to fleece him. They plan an old confidence game and locate the scene in one of the residences of wealth, knowing that the occupants of "Millionaire's Row" are spending the summer at various resorts. Agnes Darling and her father come to town for a day or two from their summer home in the mountains. Mr. Darling's automobile breaks down and as Brockton passes, he offers his services to help make repairs. In this way he discovers that Agnes is a charming girl and falls in love. The incident has been observed by Olga and her accomplice and when the repaired automobile drives away, Olga attracts Brockton's attention. She tells him that if he will come to her home the next day she will introduce him to Agnes, who is supposed to call at Olga's residence. Olga and her accomplice manage to avoid the caretaker in the house they have selected for their work. At the appointed time Brockton arrives and through an old confidence game he is robbed. The scene of the robbery happens to be the town residence of the Darlings. Just as the trick is being turned, Mr. Darling and Agnes arrive at their home. Upon entering the house, the Darlings are amazed to find that the house has been entered. They come upon Brockton, who is so frank and interesting in his explanation that he ingratiates himself with Agnes and her father, and they invite him to their country home. The two sharpers escape and join another member of the confidence gang, a crook known as "Dippy" Lewis. When Olga observes a striking resemblance between "Dippy" and Brockton, she decides to use the crook to an advantage. Olga overheard the invitation Brockton had received from the Darlings and dresses "Dippy" to resemble him. She sends him to the mountains and he is received by the Darlings. "Dippy's" criminal instincts lead him to commit several robberies among the hotel guests, and when Brockton arrives he finds himself under suspicion. He is puzzled at Miss Darling's conduct toward him. Olga has directed members of her gang to chloroform Brockton and dispose of him in a cellar, that he may not by any mischance reach the mountains before "Dippy" Lewis arrives there. The striking resemblance between the two mislead the toughs and they chloroform "Dippy" and confine him in a cellar. Agnes is perplexed at the strange transition in Brockton's manner, for he really is of a gentlemanly type in strong contrast to "Dippy," whom the girl had previously mistaken for him. The Darling family decide to return to the city and invite Brockton to call upon them there. Olga hears of this and plans to have "Dippy" again impersonate Brockton. When Olga attempts to locate "Dippy," she discovers that he is a prisoner. Before she can have him released, Brockton makes his visit to the Darlings, a fact of which Olga is not aware. Thus it is that she goes on with her plans, sends "Dippy" to call at the Darling home and there the two men meet and settle matters.