The story
“A wealthy old man, who has been a semi-invalid for years, is informed by his physician that his case is hopeless, and that death is only a matter of a few months. The invalid decides to ‘put his house in order,’ but is worried as to the future of the business that has won his fortune. Therefore, it is a matter of gratification to him when he sees that his only daughter and the young partner in whom he implicitly relies seem to be mutually attracted. The partner is called to Europe just before the doctor gives his verdict, but the invalid makes ‘everything all right’ in his will. At least, he believes so. He provides that the bulk of his estate shall go to the girl, if she marries the partner within one year of the hour of her father’s death. Should she fail to comply, the property reverts to her father’s sister. This unique document pleases the girl, and the partner is willing to carry the provision into effect, for he loves her. In fact, had it not been for the aunt, the entire affair would have been commonplace.
“The elder woman was jealous, however, and aided and advised by a dishonest lawyer who was in love with her, she plotted to win the fortune for herself. The girl’s marriage was set for the last day of the year of grace. The afternoon before, she is spirited away by a ruse, and held prisoner on an island, owned by the aunt, the lawyer acting as jailer. The bridegroom-to-be searches for her in vain, but does not get a clue to her whereabouts until the time is nearly up. In fact, he knows it will be impossible to bring her back in time to save the fortune. But what a boat cannot do, an airship can, and a gallant aeronaut sails to the island, and flies back with the bride, and has time to spare. The lawyer follows in an auto, but is easily outdistanced.”
Summary from The Moving Picture News · 2 March 1912
