While Nyland Smith and Dr. Petrie are on board a French destroyer searching for the yacht Lola Petrie's wife, Karamay,  arrives in Monte Carlo. Informed by wire of her husbands death she goes to the Hospital du Jardin where she learns from the nurse that her husband is alive. She and the nurse contact Captain Dubois and guarded by police await their return in the hotel room. They are surprised by a visit from Fa Lo Swee who demands that Karamay sends Paul Sterling and Florette, the insidious doctor's chosen wife, to Cairo where they'll be comparatively safe. Suddenly the sound of weird drums is heard and Fa Lo Swee leaves. Then while the drums are still beating a scream is heard...