Touch of the unusual in this story, when a man presumed dead is recognised by Barnaby, and the truth about an old crime begins to emerge.

J.R. is in over his head when he visits Hawaii to help a friend — and ends up under arrest for drug smuggling and murder. But when Barnaby (Buddy Ebsen) and Betty (Lee Meriwether) fly to the island, it turns out that Barnaby may be the real target.

Barnaby looks into an arson investigator who might be involved in setting fires. However, his compassion for his friend might blind him.