The story is told from the perspective of Dr. Luke Croxley. He talks about the development of a romance between his friend's wife, Rita Wainwright, and a young American, Baria Sullivan. This initially could not lead to anything good, and the result was the worst possible development of events - a double murder. Or double suicide? Police Chief Kraft is quite skeptical about this case and does not want to stir up a scandal without solid evidence. By a happy coincidence, the great Henry Merrivale broke his toe nearby and his participation in this matter is inevitable! Participation will be accompanied by a wheelchair race, a rescue operation over a cliff and the appearance of Emperor Nero to a poor drunkard.