 After an apparently lost painting of a nude by a noted painter sells for 38,000 pounds at auction, the consignor, an aging, eccentric artist, is accused of forging the canvas and retains Rumpole to defend him. Rumpole s problems are exacerbated by having his pompous friend, newly appointed Guthrie Featherstone, as the judge on the case. Although his client seems unconcerned that he may be convicted, Rumpole correctly assumes that locating the model for the portrait may hold the key to saving his client.