Tells the picaresque adventures through the world of multi disciplinary artist and professional prisoner Tulse Luper.
A young swordsmith dreams of becoming a soldier, and his connections get him into the army. He falls for a lady of higher social status, and this provokes conflict with an ambitious sergeant.
British representative in Saint Petersburg Lord Whitworth organizes plot against unpredictable Russian emperor Paul I. He uses help of Olga - sister of former Catherine's minion.
A British Revolutionary War drummer accidentally deserts from his regiment and is hunted down for execution.