In 1902 Conrad Hunter-Smith - usually called Hunter - arrived in England, tasked with assassinating King Edward VII on behalf of the Boers. Even before leaving South Africa, Hunter had been betrayed. Searching for him in England is a team led by Inspector Andrew Harrison of the Warwickshire Constabulary, who are hindered by Harrison's chief constable. Other political factions also want Hunter and the King dead. Common sense tells Hunter to abandon the idea but he has special reasons for coming to England. Matters reach a climax when the King visits Warwick.