Anne Howard—young, bold, but bullied as a young cowgirl—finally revolts when her master dies, and, after a row, walks away from the farm to try her luck in Bristol.

She has a naturally curious nature, and on her first night sleeping rough she is awoken by voices in the middle of the night. She investigates, is challenged and flees, but is captured by a highwayman. He abducts her and, after raping her, takes her to his London home. By now, she hates him and wants vengeance but decides to make use of him first, realising she will never get a better chance to see London.

Proud, fine horsewoman, and with something of the daredevil in her, Anne is quick to take to adventure, and soon finds herself falling in love...