Five jewelled eggs in a golden nest sat in the strong room of Quinn’s on Bond Street. Outside, John Mannering - alias the Baron - guarded the treasure for his clients - an ugly old man and his stunningly beautiful niece. While Miranda Smith waited in the showroom, her uncle took a taxi to the bank to procure proof of ownership. But Pendexter Smith has not returned, and Mannering has a problem on his hands - Miranda is deaf, deaf and is a state of severe shock. The events that follow are enough to make even the Baron nervous.