Young, artistically inclined Jonathan falls foul of his tyrannical boot manufacturing father and is cast adrift in the world. He is penniless and friendless apart from an eccentric ex-partner of his father, who gives him a pair of mysterious, mechanical aides to help him on his way. These prove a doubtful blessing, but with them Jonathan survives comic and frightening adventures, before finding refuge in a stately home. Here his artistic talents are at last put to good use. He becomes dangerously entangled with the beautiful, but impoverished, young niece of the family. The two flee together and attempt to make their fortune by exploiting the commercial possibilities of the 'aides'. Unexpectedly, a menacing figure from the past resurfaces and casts them both into deadly peril...