It is 1750 and Daniel, the 10-year-old foundling living with Dick Bates is worried. Dick is the owner of The Peacock Alehouse in White Cross Street, Islington. It's a thriving alehouse and Daniel is very happy there, looking after the horses and sleeping in the stables. There has already been a minor fire, which Daniel escaped from and took the horses to safety. Is someone is trying to get rid of The Peacock?

On the opposite side of Chiswell Street from The Peacock, Sam Whitbread's huge new brewery has been built and Sam is making a fortune from his porter. Despite his success and the size of his operation, he won't tolerate any competition - and that's how he sees The Peacock.

Dick suspects that Sam Whitbread is up to no good, and asks Daniel to act as a spy for him and let him know if he finds out anything suspicious.

We learn just what Sam's plans are and how Dick tries to avoid losing his beloved Peacock, which is his home as well as his livelihood.