Flurry and Sally discover that old Mrs. Knox wants to rent out Aussolas Castle, where they live. This plan would leave them without a home. Regardless, they receive a telegram from Mrs. Knox announcing the imminent arrival of a potential tenant from England.
Meanwhile, as a birthday present for the Yeates's son Anthony, the family goes to a local auction (run by Flurry's relation, "Larry the liar") with the Flurry Knoxes. Everyone gets engulfed in the bidding until it suddenly becomes apparent that Anthony has disappeared!