A waterman, rowing with his daughter on the Thames in search of plunder, discovers the body of a man who had been brutally assaulted before being drowned. Who is the man?

Society takes a hand and Gaffer Hexam, the waterman who discovered the body, is suspected of murder.

Noddy Boffin, the ‘Golden Dustman', engages a secretary while the Wilfers decide to take a lodger and Bella is adopted.

Roger ‘Rogue' Riderhood claims a reward for information and Silas Wegg proposes a friendly move.

Charley Hexam takes a brother's interest in Lizzie; Bella takes her father, the ‘cherub', out to dinner.

Riderhood meets a stranger; Lizzie receives a proposal; and a terrified Betty Higden runs away.

The Wilfers celebrate their wedding anniversary as Noddy shows another side to his character.

Noddy becomes a partner in the friendly move and learns that Wegg has found an important document.

Bella expresses indignation while Riderhood and Headstone come to an agreement.

Noddy's nose is to be laid on the grindstone; Bella and her father keep an appointment; and Eugene Wrayburn comes to grief.

Mr Fledgeby gets his just desserts. Rokesmith meets Mortimer Lightwood and is accused of the murder of John Harmon.

Boffin becomes himself while Riderhood and Headstone meet for the last time, with tragic results.