The Great Secret (1917)

Episode 1: "The Whirlpool of Destiny" (prologue): The Secret Seven is a band of wealthy conspirators dominated by a super-criminal called The Great Master. Thomas Clarke, a member of The Secret Seven, desperately ill, decides to leave his millions to his niece, Beverly Clarke, and sends for her. She is kidnapped by hirelings of Dr. Zulph, one of The Secret Seven, who plots with Jane Warren, Clarke's housekeeper, to kill him. William Montgomery Strong, wealthy clubman, comes upon the kidnappers, disarms one and holds the others at bay.