As the tumbrel clatters down the streets of 18th-century London to the gallows at Tyburn, Tom Savage abandons all hope. His resemblance to the famous highwayman Harry Twekes is going to cost him his life. It might have been the better bargain, Tom realizes shortly, when after a spectacular rescue cued by the loveliest girl he ever saw, he finds himself confronted by Harry’s gang, who are furious upon learning that the man they saved is not their leader. Once again the girl, Molly Evans, is instrumental in his escape from this new danger.

To save his own life, and in an attempt to capture the real Harry, Tom Savage impersonates the highwayman, and his exploits meet with great success. Through a nobleman, a friend of Molly’s, Tom is commissioned to carry out a secret mission for William Pitt. Can Tom accomplish the mission–and out-fight the real Harry Tewkes to establish his innocence?