The days ahead look perfect, for Roger Locke. He has found a place in the country where he can pursue his life's calling, at peace; and a favorite young cousin is visiting, whom he hopes to protect from her overly ambitious parents.

Yet strange occurrences intrude. His first night's sleep in his new house ends abruptly, in pitch darkness: for he feels a full, soft braid of hair being draped onto him. Puzzled, he seizes it -- only to feel cold steel against his wrist!