Dick is running a late night poker school and a money exchange for passengers but collapses from the stress of it all and needs bed rest. He gets Duncan to take over but Duncan fumbles the exchange, giving the passengers overly generous rates and is hopeless at poker, losing to Captain Loftus, who finds out about it and wants to be included. Finally Duncan collapses from exhaustion - as does the purser.

Dick and Duncan have already been carpeted by Captain Loftus for being late back on ship after shore leave but now find themselves stranded on Madeira as the Begonia has sailed without them. They get hold of a small motor boat to chase after their ship and eventually wind up back on board but only after Dick has knocked Duncan overboard.

Duncan is dismissive of Mr. McArthur in front of fellow passenger Polly Roberts, an undercover journalist writing an article on the cruise. She complains about him to the captain, who tells him a Very Special Passenger has found fault with him. Duncan assumes this is McArthur and keeps out of his way. When Polly gets food poisoning, thanks to dodgy squid Dick bought for the captain's table, she is charmed by Duncan's concern and they bury the hatchet. Knowing she is the undercover journalist he is again rude to Mr. McArthur - who turns out to own the ship.