Sealed Instructions

• 1909
• Other, Drama

The scene is laid at the White House, the President's home. Looking down the broad avenue are seen two autos approaching it with great haste. One stops in front of the building and a man dressed in military clothes quickly ascends the broad steps. He is shown into the President's private office. The President is seen handing him a letter which is of a very secret and important nature. He is warned to be extremely careful and deliver it with utmost speed. Outside his machine is waiting. He notices another close by, into which a man jumps as he reaches his own. The man's queer actions arouse his suspicions and he returns to inform the President. The shades are withdrawn and the President gives him further instructions. He departs at once for his machine and starts off in great haste, not noticing the other machine in the rear. He is rather tired and decides to stop and have tea with his wife before completing his errand. His pretty wife makes preparations for tea and while so engaged Colonel Bruce dozes into slumber. The wife's attention is attracted by a movement behind a curtain in the room and there stands an old lover of hers holding a revolver in his hands and at the same time a packet of worn love letters. He makes known in a few words that he desires to search the colonel or he will show him her ardent letters. She begs him not to, but of no avail. He steps quickly to the steaming cup of tea and drops a small something in it and again hides himself. The colonel awakes, drinks his tea, and dozes off again into a sound sleep. The villain steps quickly to him, searches his coat, removes the envelope, and, in his haste and excitement, takes the colonel's coat for his own. He dons it and is off with all haste. The colonel is seen dreaming and a vision comes to him. He sees himself in a convict garb, and here enters an old servant and discovers his master in a daze. He suspects foul play. He lifts the tea cup from the table, scents the peculiar odor, and knows his master has been drugged. He awakens him and here the colonel regains his senses, rushes for his coat so that he may be on his journey, and discovers the other coat in its place. He is in a frenzy. He searches through every pocket and discovers an envelope: "A. Lazarre, Room 8, 22 Dover St., City." He dashes to his waiting machine and drives to the address. He bursts into the room and there sees his unknown enemy. His wife is hidden in the room. He gives one wild glance and discovers his paper on the table. He snatches it up and rushes from the room. He is gone but a minute when he rushes back again and discovers his wife on her knees pleading with the villain. She explains all to him. He sends his man for the police and has his enemy arrested. He takes his wife in his arms, forgives her and, after delivering the letter, returns to his home.