A poor 18th century English coastal farming community survives the King's ruinous taxes thanks to a smuggling ring created by its masked leader called the Scarecrow. The ring's success leads King George to order the Royal Army's General Pugh to capture and execute the ringleaders. It is a battle both of wits and action that the Scarecrow must win to save not only his own life but those of the men he leads while keeping the vital smuggling operation running.

Dr. Syn, alias The Scarecrow, must find a way to protect his smuggling band not only from the King's forces but also from a would-be traitor within his own gang.

Under pressure from King George III to capture The Scarecrow or lose his command, General Pugh plans to use two prisoners, an escapee from the Royal Navy and an American colonist, to trap The Scarecrow.