"Speedlearn" is a subliminal process for educating the population of The Village, developed by a Professor with the aid of an unseen "General". However, the Professor realises that his creation has the ability to be abused by Number Two and with the help of Number Six intends to destroy the General. After their attempt fails Number Two takes Number Six to meet the General.

Number Six discovers a dead man washed up on The Village beach. He finds a wallet and a radio set in the dead man's jacket. He hides the body in a cave and later tries the radio. Number Six later returns to the body with a life-belt and sets it afloat with a rescue note, although he is watched by a former colleague, Dutton. Number Two has been using Dutton to obtain information on Number Six but soon thinks Dutton is expendable. Number Six receives an invitation to The Village carnival where he meets Peter Pan and Little Bo-Peep.