A young engineer, Arthur Chamberlain, finds himself in a peculiar situation when the clock on the Metropolitan Tower begins to run backward, leading to a series of bizarre events. As the city around him transforms, Arthur and his stenographer, Estelle Woodward, realize they are not just experiencing a strange phenomenon but are being transported back in time. The skyscraper they occupy is moving through the Fourth Dimension, taking them to an era before the discovery of America. As they witness the rapid changes in their surroundings, including the seasons reversing and the city disintegrating into a primitive landscape, Arthur deduces that they are traveling backward in time. The two grapple with their fear and confusion, but Arthur's engineering background gives him a sense of purpose. He theorizes that the building's descent is linked to a flaw in the earth's structure, which has caused it to settle into a different temporal plane. The occupants of the skyscraper, numbering around two thousand, face the immediate challenge of survival in this unfamiliar world. Arthur takes charge, organizing efforts to secure food and establish order among the frightened crowd. They encounter indigenous people, and through a combination of trade and cooperation, they begin to adapt to their new environment. As time passes, Arthur and Estelle develop a bond amidst the chaos. They work together to find solutions to their predicament, including hunting and fishing for sustenance. Arthur's leadership and ingenuity help the group navigate the challenges of their situation, fostering a sense of community among the displaced city dwellers. Eventually, Arthur discovers a way to reverse the effects of their time travel by tapping into a geyser beneath the building. He prepares a plan to "soap" the geyser, which he believes will restore the skyscraper to its original time. As they execute this plan, the building begins to quiver, signaling their return to the present. In a whirlwind of rapid time shifts, the occupants experience the passage of generations in mere moments. Finally, the skyscraper lands safely back in modern New York, where the bewildered inhabitants emerge to a world that has continued without them. The experience leaves a lasting impact, with many writing about their extraordinary journey. Amidst the chaos, Arthur and Estelle's relationship blossoms, culminating in their engagement. They navigate the complexities of their new reality together, with Arthur taking on the responsibility of ensuring the building's stability to prevent future incidents. The story concludes with a sense of hope and adventure, as the couple looks forward to their future together, having faced the unknown and emerged stronger.
By Murray Leinster · First published 1956 · Genre: Science Fiction, Fantasy, Adventure · 12 chapters