Jack Ford loses his Midas touch and becomes a victim of the Wall Street crash which forces him to leave New York with gangsters threatening his life. He returns, illegally, to Liverpool as astowaway on a cargo boat, which costs him every penny he has. He then sets about finding old friends and rebuilding his life. Jack meets Canon Penfold by chance who recommends hostel lodgings. After a nasty experience with a sadistic room mate and numerous drinking binges, Jack realises he's reached rock bottom. However, his luck is about to change. Returning to Gallowshields Jack is shocked to hear about Matt Headley's death. He receives a cool welcome from Sarah, Matt's widow, who begrudgingly offers to give him temporary lodgings.Jack feels Sarah's brother is hiding something and sets out to discover what it is. Jack is back to 'ducking and diving' and buying fire damaged bankrupt goods from the South Americans for Sarah to sell. He has also found romance with Margaret, the well-bred Socialist.