In this collection of rustic tales, Constable Nick continues his fascinating duties in the peace of Aidensfield, deep in the North York Moors. There is a hint of unexpected wealth for Claude Jeremiah Greengrass when he finds a cache of silver coins and worries for Nick when a lad loses his doting grandad's silver whistle. When Claude Jeremiah's dog, Alfred, gets bitten by an adder, Britain's most loveable rogue rings the local search and rescue team - and gets Sergeant Blaketon instead. But when a Girl Guide tumbles down a waterfall, Nick has to organize a speedy rescue attempt. We encounter a frightened lady who hides in her garden shed and a wronged lady who wreaks vengeance upon an unfaithful husband while some menfolk use their own methods to deal with a thief who is stealing ladies' underwear. There is serious crime too. A convicted murderer comes to live in Aidensfield, but Nick and Sergeant Blaketon have a major problem when they hear that an escaped Great Train Robber is hiding on Nick's patch.