A uniformed Policeman, Kip Burland was framed by the Skull, resulting in Kip being discharged from the force in disgrace. He was taken "for a ride" by the Skull's minions and left in the woods to die until discovered by an old hermit: a self-taught scientist and philosopher, who, himself, had been wronged by the Skull. The Hermit ends up turning Kip into a super crime fighter by putting him through rigid training, teaching him science and all knowledge. The Black Hood then confronted the Skull at a masquerade party, who killed a young girl with a poison pill before being unmasked and escaping.; Espionage before the Army-Colby Game in football.