When Norrie and Kezia Buck leave Sandspit Crossing to seek their fortune, young Anthol Buck moves in with Magdalen Maidstone, a spinster librarian who rides a motor cycle, wears her hair in a bun and sports a moustache. Her rejection of the amorous advances made by Mr. Ritter the butcher has dramatic consequences, thwarting her mission to 'Save Sandspit'.
