Mr. Partridge, the Punch and Judy man, hates children and slaps one who is annoying him. Jeff is supposed to sack him but his kind nature cannot do it so he gives Partridge money. This is a bad move as the puppeteer gets very drunk and cannot perform. Jeff fills the breach, helped by glamorous Yellowcoat Sylvia, who, like Gladys, now very jealous, has a very soft spot for Mr. Fairbrother.