The old crook Albert Hallows - also known as "The Professor" or just "Prof" - has escaped from prison and returns to Aidensfield. He has a score to settle with the police - they arrested him for organizing burglary on a big scale in the village. He also tricks Bill and Mickey, 2 local boys, into helping him. There is a big charity dinner dance and Joyce Jowett is representing the council together with Oscar Blaketon. Or at least that was her idea. But Oscar is away on a golfing trip, so Dawn "persuades" Geoff Younger to go in his place. She promises to teach him ballroom dancing for the event. Carol Cassidy and Joe Mason have finally realized the feelings they have for each other, and he asks her to the dance following dinner at a posh restaurant. Terry Maxton is an old friend of Aunt Peggy and he is looking for local craftsmen to supply his furnishing stores with pottery. Peggy is convinced there is good money to be made and talks David into making primitive pots of clay - with very explosive results.