The narrative unfolds on a desolate island where Colonel Glinka arrives via seaplane, seeking an old acquaintance, Dr. Stefanik, a disgraced geneticist. Glinka's mission is to retrieve Stefanik, who has been experimenting with genetic manipulation, potentially creating a super-race. Upon landing, Glinka encounters local inhabitants, including a young man named Abdul Hakkim ben Salazar, who reluctantly guides him to Stefanik's villa. Inside the villa's conservatory, Glinka confronts Stefanik, who is engaged in botanical pursuits rather than human experimentation. Tension escalates as Glinka reveals his intent to bring Stefanik back to their homeland, threatening him with a concealed weapon. Stefanik, however, refuses to comply, asserting his ethical stance against human experimentation. In a chaotic turn, Glinka's attempts to capture Stefanik lead to a series of misadventures, culminating in a frantic chase through the island's rugged terrain. The narrative explores themes of power, ethics in science, and the complexities of human nature, as Glinka grapples with the implications of Stefanik's work and the peculiar behaviors of the island's inhabitants. Ultimately, the story reflects on the nature of curiosity and the drive for survival, leaving Glinka to confront the consequences of his actions amidst the island's enigmatic allure.
By Charles A. Stearns · First published 1920 · Genre: Romance, Drama, Historical Fiction