Castor Oyl obtains Bernice, an 'African escape hen', from his uncle Lubry Kent Oyl, who raised her from the egg as, he explains, such a bird cannot be caught, and proceeds to showcase her escaping abilities. Uncle Lubry goes on to offer Castor one thousand dollars if he is able to kill the hen. Castor fails at every attempt, even as Bernice grows attached to her new master and does not leave him alone, staying with Castor after Uncle Lubry leaves. Certain individuals become interested in Bernice, to Castor's chagrin, most notably a mysterious hooded woman. She is revealed to work for the unscrupulous millionaire Fadewell, and Castor is taken to the latter's house along with his "pet". Fadewell is heard saying that Bernice, a Whiffle Hen, is able to grant good luck to whomever rubs her head