The Express Car Mystery
Directed by J.P. McGowanDugan, looking for trouble, smashes Pasquale's violin. The violinist follows the loafer, but is pacified by a passing priest. Grant's salary is insufficient for his family's needs. His respect for an increase is denied. That day a large sum of money is placed in his care, consigned to a distant bank. Dugan learns of this money and decides to steal it. Unable to board the train in the yard, he drops to the roof of the express car as it passes under a bridge. Grant is knocked unconscious by Dugan. The thief empties the money bag and jumps off the speeding train into a river. Later, the express messenger is accused by his employer of having stolen the money and is arrested. By chance, Dugan passes Pasquale's house. The Italian follows him and learns that the man intends to leave the city. Dugan discovers the Italian looking through his valise and assaults him. A lamp, upset by accident, sets fire to the house. Dugan escapes. The Italian revives and chops his way out. Knowing his man will leave by train, he hastens to the station. The thief foils Pasquale's attempts to stop him. The Italian thereupon holds up a locomotive crew, and with a pistol compels them to follow the train ahead. The chase ends in Dugan's capture, and the man is brought back to the city. Grant is being subjected to the third degree at police headquarters when he sees Dugan brought in. He recognizes the thief. A search reveals the stolen money in Dugan's valise. Cornered, the thief confesses his guilt and Grant is freed.
