The 83-year-old Dr. Blow and his 81-year-old colleague Professor Manciple become entangled in a web of international intrigue and espionage when they find the body of a blonde in a box delivered by three Boy Scouts. As the box was supposed to contain books from the recently purchased library of an English romantic poet, they are, not surprisingly, somewhat perplexed. After taking tea, they blissfully set off on an adventure which takes them to the British Museum, Boy Scout headquarters, a carnival masquerade parade, and a seaside hotel. The two distinguished gentlemen plague and shame rather deadly spies as they provide exuberant detection all along the way.