The narrative follows Chap West, his sister Elsie, and their friend Tim Lensman as they visit the eccentric Professor Colson, a renowned scientist living in a secluded area. Colson is rumored to possess extraordinary knowledge, including the ability to predict future events. Upon their arrival, they encounter a mysterious stranger who hints at Colson's wealth and peculiarities, suggesting that he may have been involved in dubious activities. As the trio spends time with Colson, they learn about his groundbreaking work in astronomy and wireless communication. Colson reveals that he has been in contact with a distant world, Neo, which exists behind the sun and is invisible to Earth. This world mirrors their own, with parallel events occurring in both realms. Colson has developed a unique language and code to communicate with the inhabitants of Neo, leading to significant financial gains through stock market predictions based on information received from his counterpart. However, the story takes a dark turn when Colson is murdered during a burglary, and Tim discovers that he has inherited Colson's estate and responsibilities. As Tim delves deeper into Colson's work, he faces threats from those who wish to exploit the knowledge of Neo for their gain, particularly from a financier named Hildreth, who has a vested interest in the stock market. Tim's journey involves deciphering Colson's cryptic notes and understanding the implications of their discoveries. He grapples with the moral dilemmas of using knowledge from another world while navigating the dangers posed by those who seek to control it. The narrative culminates in a confrontation with Hildreth, leading to his demise in a car accident, which Tim interprets as a form of cosmic justice. Ultimately, Tim reflects on the nature of knowledge, the responsibilities that come with it, and the potential for new beginnings as he contemplates the future with Elsie. The story intertwines themes of science, ethics, and the interconnectedness of existence across worlds, leaving readers to ponder the mysteries of the universe and the choices that shape their destinies.
By Edgar Wallace · First published 1928 · Genre: Science Fiction, Adventure, Fantasy · 8 chapters