Tom Joyner, a serf, is supposed to be dying, and Sir Charles intends collecting the tax to which he is legally entitled if one of his villagers dies. Imposing the tax, means Sir Charles is entitled to any of Tom's goods and chattels, which will leave the serf's family penniless. Tom, however, was only stunned and Friar Tuck devises a plan to thwart the rascally Lord Bailiff.