War hero Fairfax is to be executed on a false charge of “dealings with the devil,” put forward by a villainous relative who stands to inherit his estate. Fairfax’s friend Sergeant Meryll and his daughter concoct a plan to smuggle him out in disguise as the sergeant’s son, a newly appointed yeoman. Meanwhile, Fairfax manages to marry the performer Elsie, who will inherit his estate and therefore thwart the scoundrel’s plan. Add to the mix Elsie’s performing partner (who’s in love with her), an incompetent jailer, and a crowd of bloodthirsty townsfolk ready for a good old-fashioned execution! Audiences are guaranteed a plot full of love triangles, twists, turns, and intrigue.