Posing as a respectable vicar in Dymchurch at the turn of the 18th century, Dr. Syn is actually the retired pirate Captain Clegg. Clegg, believed hanged in Rye, is no longer being sought by the authorities. However, country life proves too tame for Syn, however, and his attention turns to smuggling. He takes on a secret identity, "The Scarecrow," and with the help of his loyal gang of "Marsh Men," turns his hand to profit! This book was the basis for the Disney film, though they are not at all similar.