The low, graystone buildings of Greycombe Farm were the very embodiment of peace and security. Nothing ever distrubed the general air of tranquility so typical of a West Country farm until -- one memorable night -- fire broke out in Farmer Jim's cider store. When the flames were finally extinguished, an examination of the building revealed the charred remains of a body. Here was a mystery that immediately engaged the attention of Major Betterton, Chief Constable of Wessex. It was, however, only with the calling in of Dr. Priestley, the wealthy but eccentric scientist and crime investigator, that the amazing ramifications of this mystery were disclosed.