The locksmith Gabriel Varden visits the Maypole Inn, incurs his wife's displeasure, and we hear of a murder...

Simon Tappertit undertakes a midnight errand and Gabriel Varden learns more about the Stranger.

Mr Chester visits the Maypole Inn and Joe Willett plans to go courting.

Mrs Varden is persuaded to visit the Maypole.

Simon Tappertit meddles in the affairs of other and Mrs Rudge comes to a decision.

Unbeknown to them, the lives of the Vardens and the Haredales, are put into danger by the arrival of Lord George Gordon at the Maypole.

Simon meets Dennis the hangman and Mr Haredale finds his life in danger when he meets an old school-fellow.

The petition is presented.

Barnaby, Dennis and Hugh find themselves in jail; Gabriel Varden throws a party and many important matters are resolved.