Barney Cook, ( Jack Pickford ) is fired from his job at a messenger service, after being caught reading detective stories during working hours. Meanwhile, Mr.and Mrs. Meredith after having a quarrel have decided to separate, but cannot agree on the placement of their little daughter, Beryl. This gives a notorious kidnapper and his gang the chance to kidnap the child. The Merediths hire renowned detective Babblings ( Frank Loose ) to find their daughter. He suspects the notorious kidnapper, trails him and discovers he is receiving messages in code. Meanwhile, Barney has applied for a job at a detective bureau and lands a position. He is immediately put to work on the kidnapping case, masquerading as the deaf and dumb son of a wealthy man, to decoy the kidnappers. It works, and Barney is now being held with Beryl. Babblings tries to disguise himself as a member of the gang, but is accidentally exposed by Mrs. Meredith. The gang flees with Beryl and Barney in tow, but Barney finally outwits the gang and brings Beryl home. He is rewarded by Babblings with a job as one of his detectives and the Merediths are happily reunited.
What a shame this action packed silent film is now presumed lost. Jack Pickford was given glowing reviews for his fine performance.
What a shame this action packed silent film is now presumed lost. Jack Pickford was given glowing reviews for his fine performance.
