A series of murders is being carried out by someone claiming to be Jack the Ripper. In response, a vigilante group of the town's poor confronts Scotland Yard while William and the real Jack scramble to uncover the true culprit's aims and foil their plans.

William outshined the adults in knowledge and nerve while saving the orphanage where he was staying. Judicial records state that William lent a nobleman £600 in the spirit of a certain play. But when the contract is broken, William takes drastic measures.