In 17th century Holland, a faction of royalists is scheming to restore the monarchy and jail the De Witt brothers, who control the Republic. At the same time Tulip Fever is raging, and bulb-grower Cornelis van Baerle tries to obtain the secret of black tulips. Van Baerle will soon find himself threatened by radical royalists and rival bulb-grower Isaac van Boxtel.

A man dreams he is the 'demon barber' who cuts sailors' throats for jewels and uses the corpses for pies.

A séance proves a ghost compelled a spiritualist to kill his rich father.

In Monte Carlo, Lady Wellingford cannot redeem a necklace from a jeweler.

A penniless Irishman becomes the business partner of an English aristocrat with a penchant for high-stakes gambling.

A spy has his son steal an Admiral's submarine plans.