Several members of 'The Brotherhood' have fallen into the hands of the law and been hanged. Suspecting betrayal by one of their own, Dick decides to visit the Brotherhood's leader, Tyson Sarney, aka the Upright Man.

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.