Bertie's Stratagem

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Just out of college, in love with Letty Grey, whose father is quick-tempered and opposed to him, also possessing a wealthy rival, Bertie feels he doesn't stand much show until he tells his troubles to Belle Chester, his cousin. Her sympathy and encouragement brace him up wonderfully. Meanwhile, Letty's father has bullied her into submitting to an engagement with the rival, Clarence Merkle, who is a susceptible gentleman of some 40 summers. Bertie learns of this, and in despair, again consults Belle. She tells him she will reconnoiter the enemy. She visits Letty, is introduced to Merkle, and learns he simply cannot resist a woman's wiles. She then secures a classy walking rig, tells Bertie to put it on, assists him to fix up as a fair young damsel, and gets him introduced at Grey's house as her friend from the West. Bertie meets Merkle and starts a most outrageous flirtation with him. They decide to elope, and at Bertie's instigation, Merkle writes a note to Mr. Grey informing him the engagement with his daughter is all off. Grey is furious and breaks all speed records trying to overtake the fleeing couple. At a country roadhouse Merkle has to dive through a window to avoid capture, and in following him, Grey is nearly run over by an auto. Bertie comes up in the neck of time to drag him out of danger, and in doing so, loses his wig. Grey then learns of the deception, and is raging, but cannot forget that he really owes his life to Bertie. Being also thoroughly disgusted with Merkle's actions, he finally decides that the young man might make a suitable son-in-law after all.