Inkston is a little village just outside of London shortly after World War One. Something odd is going on in Cottage Tower, and the townsfolk are trying to figure out what. Old Mr. Saffron is the owner of Cottage Tower, and he's recently taken on two companions. Every week, Mr. Saffron and one of his new guests, Beaumaroy, take a trip into London. After their most recent trip, however, they return the same day lugging a mysterious heavy brown bag.

This swashbuckling tale of romance and adventure is by the renowned author of The "Prisoner of Zenda."