It is a small world, and the possibility of old criminal acquaintances meeting at a Surrey roadhouse is by no means remote. Sketchley, where the Coat of Arms roadhouse stands, is a place of strange happenings. There are thefts of valuable gold plate, a suspicious old man, seen but not caught, and a burglar who returns stolen valuables. When the local manor burns down, the owner and guests move to the roadhouse, and old vendettas intensify. Interests clash. Murder is committed.