Patrick Butler for the Defence

Hugh and his fiancé Helen are in Hugh's office when a French-speaking Arab who calls himself Abu of Ispahan arrives and asks for an appointment to discuss a private matter.

Helen leaves, and Hugh must deliver a brief to famed defense lawyer Patrick Butler. Since Abu wishes to deal with no one except "Meester Pren-tees", Hugh asks him to wait for forty-five minutes; before Hugh leaves, Abu announces "All my troubles have been caused by your gloves." Hugh goes down the hall to speak with James.

When they hear a scream, both rush back to Hugh's office to find Abu stabbed; he has just enough time and breath to gasp "Your gloves" in French before he expires.

Hugh immediately enlists the help of Patrick Butler, who is accompanied by the upper-crust Lady Pamela de Saxe. The three, with occasional assistance from Helen, embark upon a series of breakneck escapes from the police and Hugh's strait-laced uncle while they gather evidence.

At the night's climax Patrick Butler calls everyone together and reveals the name of the murderer, and the meaning of the gloves.