Admiral Humphrey Beckingham-Smythe has come home from the Orient on sick leave after contracting malaria. While home with his young wife and growing family he finds a case of murder in the village, and cannot resist poking his nose into the investigation. After all, he has a history of investigation with customs units. The scenario broadens to include a case of blackmail, too close to home for comfort and investigations into gangland in the nearest big town.