When Constable Nick leads a procession of villagers around Aidensfield's parish boundaries as part of an ancient custom, he realizes his work involves practices that have little connection with his constabulary duties. In this collection of tales, he finds a deserted farmhouse with its back door open and all the furnishing in place, then solves the problem of an intruder at another isolated house. Far beyond the call of duty are his efforts to get a bride to the church on time, his defence of a youth charged with a public order offence and his attempt to clear a young girl suspected of being a thief. But when St Aidan's Well almost dries up as a body is found on the moors above Aidensfield, Constable Nick knows he is duty bound to continue his individualistic performance as village constable.