Nevin McAndrew's parents are concerned that their recently indentured son has disappeared. They call on Inspector Cameron, the Ontario provincial detective to investigate. When the inspector visits the farm where Nevin is supposed to be working, he finds there have been no boys there for a year, yet Nevin's parents have been receiving bills for medical services. Meanwhile, his niece, Prudence, recently arrived from Europe, has fallen for Ewan Percy, another indentured boy, who also goes missing. Both uncle and niece try to discover what is happening to the boys, aided by some unexpected allies.