1781: Jack Gable apprehensively embarks on a new career as a clerk with the East India Company in Bengal. Under aegis of the lively Jack Potts he meets some of the extraordinary characters of Calcutta society. Then, Bob, already too involved in the customary intrigue and corruption is posted up-country, leaving Jack his house, his servants and his enormous debts. In desperation Jack is forced to seek the aid of the Governor Warren Hastings.