The Wolf's Prey

• 1915
• Other, Suspense

George Duncan, who is stopping at the Grand Hotel with his wife, Dorothy, is called out of town. Mrs. Duncan, giddy and pleasure-loving, is introduced to Langdon, who is also living at the Grand. The pearls worn by the foolish woman excite Langdon's cupidity. Upon returning to her room, Mrs. Duncan repents of her violent flirtation and realizes the depth of the love she bears her husband. Acting upon an impulse, she writes him a letter, addressing the note merely to "Dearest." Langdon, who occupies the adjoining room, steals the letter from the bellboy who is sent to mail it. The contents of the missive make a powerful blackmailing instrument. First, however, the scoundrel attempts to burglarize Mrs. Duncan's room. Failing, Langdon displays the letter. He threatens to show it to her husband and thus induce the latter to believe the woman guilty of a clandestine love affair. Terror-stricken, Mrs. Duncan allows the cur to depart with her jewels. Instead of leaving the hotel, Langdon remains. It is his intention to further victimize Mrs. Duncan. Realizing this, the woman sensibly decides to place the matter before the hotel management. As the result, Francis Ballou takes charge of the case. She confronts Langdon, but the latter defies her to find the gems or the letter. A clever ruse enables Francis to locate the hiding place of the jewels and the document. She restores them to Mrs. Duncan. Because of the latter's desire to avoid publicity, the human wolf is allowed to leave the hotel. Her lesson learned, Mrs. Duncan promises to abstain from flirtations in the future.