The Unafraid (1915)

In Montenegro two brothers, Stefan and Michael Balsic, are at enmity because of opposite political views. Stefan, the elder and the head of his ancient house, is a loyal and favorite subject of King Nikolas; Michael is dissolute and conspires with the Dual Empire against his own country, hoping to gain position and wealth when the enemy takes possession of the land. He is the instigator of a revolution, which is being financed by the Secret Agent of the Empire. The money which is given him for the purpose of starting this revolution, however, he squanders in Paris on wine and women. When he is called to account for this by the Secret Agent, who threatens to turn him over to the King of Montenegro for punishment, he pleads for just one week in which to make good the loss and start the revolt. At about this time Michael sees a newspaper picture of Delight Warren, a rich New York heiress, and schemes to marry her, using her money to reinstate himself and carry out his plans. He meets Delight, who is impressionable, and at once captivates her, so that she determines to marry him in spite of the opposition of her uncle and aunt and also in spite of the warning of Count Stefan, who calls upon her to try and make her see her mistake. When she tells Michael that Stefan has been to see her, Michael replies that it is true Stefan is his brother, but that his reputation is such his name is never mentioned in the family. Delight goes to Montenegro, accompanied only by her racing chauffeur. Jack McCarty, who proves loyal when even her maid refuses to go. On the day of her arrival, Michael has been summoned to a Court function from which he does not dare to absent himself, and sends his secretary to meet Delight. On the way to the castle of her fiancé she is kidnapped by Count Stefan, who explains that he must hold her a prisoner in order that she shall not put her wealth at the disposal of his treacherous brother. He says that the only honorable manner in which he can take her to his home is to marry her, and as there is no other way out of the difficulty, she finally consents to the ceremony. At his castle, Count Stefan treats her with the utmost civility and even with formality. She is not convinced of Michael's guilt, but is forced to believe in Stefan's sincerity, especially as he says that she need only remain in his own house until Michael is either convicted or cleared from his accusation, and that she can then return to America and have her marriage to him annulled. Michael, hearing of what has transpired, goes with McCarty to the American minister, and lodges a complaint against his brother. McCarty has already become suspicious of Michael and refuses to take any definite stand. The American minister decides to go and see for himself. Delight consents to dine with her husband and the minister, and during the dinner prevents Stefan from being poisoned by one of Michael's men. The minister decides that there is no reason for him to interfere. Once again the Agent of the Dual Empire comes to remind Michael that his time to make his promises good has expired. This time he pleads for only a delay of one day, and within the space of that time succeeds in kidnapping Delight and taking her to his own castle. He also captures Danilo, Stefan's right-hand man, and threatens to put out the eyes of this man unless Delight pays him an enormous sum of money. Delight pays the money, but at this time Stefan and his men arrive. During the ensuing fight between the two brothers and their respective henchmen, Stefan finally blows in the doors of the castle. Michael finally kills himself rather than submit to capture and disgrace. Delight then confesses her love for Stefan.