The year is 1603. Elizabeth I is dying and has not yet nominated her heir. While the expected choice is James VI of Scotland, it is not a certainty. When a noted Scottish traitor named Gowrie arrives in England with a document that can cause much trouble for James, the Queen's Secretary, Sir Robert Cecil wants it. He will pull Ned Savage from prison for thievery and told his life will be spared if he can get the paper before it is disclosed.