Tired of long absences from his family, Prof. Tremont decides in 1909 to bring them with him on his next expedition, a study of certain cultural groups in northern India. During this time Claire grows into a young woman who seems to have the two peculiar but complimentary knacks of finding trouble yet avoiding actual harm. Claire is not actually a rebellious teen, partly because her parents (dad in particular) tend to be laissez-faire and encouraging, but she definitely shows a wild streak. As her dad is an anthropologist, she is frequently among the "natives" and learns both Hindi and Sanskrit. Claire befriends an old Hindu who helps her learn to focus her youthful energy, observe the world around her, calm her mind and open it through meditation.

When the war begins, the Tremonts return to Boston and Claire enrolls in Radcliffe College. Claire studies writing and learns Latin. She also learns of the Theosophical Society, which is eager to welcome her as a member due to her years of experience in India. Claire in turn has some peculiar experiences during her college years hinting at untapped powers in her mind, and finds the Society offers her the opportunity to explore this further.

Claire graduates from Radcliffe in spring 1918. She moves to NYC to start working as a freelance magazine writer. However, she has not given up her determination to learn more about her possible psychic powers, and after the war ends she decides to return to India, going to the international headquarters of the Society in Madras [established in 1882 by the founders of Theosophy, Madame Blavatsky and Colonel Olcott].

- Supports self as freelance journalist, writing for a few magazines.

- Studies at Society headquarters, but also with some locals. Learns to focus her psychic potential into specific abilities.

- Some time in 1921 (?) discovers the manipulations of the sinister Indian mystic K'tallah Singh, and puts a stop to his machinations with the help of American pilot Nick Timber.

-Returns to NYC early in 1923 and is invited to join the World Explorer's Club. Discovers Nick in town and invites him to join as well.