Jane Harding is sent by her wounded father to England from Maryland, with papers that could discredit and topple the tyrannical Governor Appleyard.

Jane must get to Bristol to present the papers to the Attorney General, but the fastest way for her to get there is to steal Turpin's horse, Black Bess.

A choice remark from Turpin leads to a duel with hotheaded Noll Bridger. As it plays out, Fytton catches up with them and swiftly imprisons both Turpin and Swiftnick.

Turpin and Swiftnick break out of prison only to be captured by Ignatius Slake, a religious maniac. He decrees that Turpin be burned alive on a flaming cartwheel.

Rescued by Jane Harding, Turpin determines to help her in her mission to have the corrupt governor arrested.