During his month's vacation from the newspaper, Flash Evans travels to Indianapolis to watch the auto races. Flash's friend, Joe Wells, takes the same train to Indianapolis to meet his NewsVue partner. During the journey, the train derails, injuring many people, including Joe. Joe is unable to walk and so asks Flash to take his place temporarily at NewsVue.
Flash is welcomed coldly and reluctantly by Joe's partner, George Doyle. Despite Flash's inexperience with the news camera, he takes some splendid films of the races and is praised by Doyle's boss. Doyle refuses to acknowledge Flash's skill and tries to get Flash to quit so that one of Doyle's friends can take Flash's place. Flash continues working so that Joe will not lose his position to somebody else.
Flash learns of the death of Albert Povy, a spy who is suspected of stealing government secrets for use by his own country. Oddly, Povy's body is claimed by Herbert Rascomb, an upstanding citizen who seemingly has no connection to Povy. Flash senses a mystery, and his investigation reveals an amazing plot with Rascomb at the center. Rascomb proves to be a deadly enemy...