While in a compromising situation, antique dealer and sometime sleuth Lovejoy witnesses the murder of a fellow antique dealer whom he knew in the army years ago.  The dead man had recently purchased some unimportant items from a local doctor’s estate.  And the big boys are prepared to to kill to acquire these things – and go after Lovejoy as well. The only clue is a ticket for the first trip on a local railway in 1847.  But the railway was never opened so the ticket has curiosity value only.  Lovejoy is once again up to his ears in villainy, antiques and girls.