When a cannon ball is reported missing from the historic caste of Lodden in Sussex, Hugh Curtis – a very new reporter on the Daily Record – is sent to cover the trivial episode by way of a punishment, because he had "fallen down" badly on a story the previous day. Digruntled, he makes up his mind to find the wretched cannon ball at any cost.

In fact, it nearly costs him his life—and Mollie Bourne hers, too. Mollie is the beautiful girl reporter of the rival paper—"the Courier's spoiled darling," according to Hugh. But she proves to be a good companion in a tight spot, for finding the cannon ball is only a prelude to a series of terrifying experiences. Luck, however, is on their side—"beginner's luck," Hugh modesty calls it, when he lands the scoop of the year.