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.