The Duke of Hertford sends Colonel Moat to take care of Turpin after being robbed by him. Both Dick and Captain Spiker used to serve under Moat at Gibraltar. The old rivalry between the Captain and the Colonel soon rears up again, leaving Spiker demoted and Moat imposing a reign of terror.

Glutton has arranged a marriage between Spiker and the wealthy Phyllida Tranter. However, her less than impressive suitor Nigel Ffoulkes-Withers has followed her in a fit of desperation. Dick takes pity on the man and develops a plan to unite the young lovers.

Sir John Glutton sends Spiker on an errand carrying a letter pledging his allegiance to Prince Charles, pretender to the throne, in the seams of his coat. Spiker is ambushed by Foxy and Nabber, who steal the coat. Glutton forces Dick Turpin to recover the letter by holding Big Nell of the Cock and Bull hostage.