Returning to London after a stint in France, Jake Donaghue discovers that he and his friend Finn have lost their free housing arrangement with Madge, their landlady. In search of a new place to live, they turn to Dave Gellman, a friend who is both a teacher and a philosopher. However, Dave only allows Finn to stay, insisting that Jake find alternative accommodations, preferably with a lady friend. Finn suggests seeking help from Anna Quentin, Jake's former girlfriend.

Reconnecting with Anna

Despite not having been in touch with Anna for years, Jake easily tracks her down. Although she allows him to stay for just one night, Anna advises Jake to reach out to her sister, Sadie, who needs someone to look after her flat in her absence. Anna assures Jake she will contact him if she requires his help.

Meeting Sadie

The following day, Jake meets with Sadie, who agrees to let him take care of her property. She is notably worried about Hugo Belfounder, Jake's old roommate, whom she finds intrusive. The pair once engaged in deep philosophical discussions, one of which Jake used as the basis for his unsuccessful novel, The Silencer. Concerned that his book misrepresented Hugo's ideas, Jake ended their friendship abruptly by failing to meet Hugo as planned one evening.

Unwanted Encounters

Reflecting on these past events, Jake returns to Madge’s to collect her copy of The Silencer. Instead, he encounters Sammy Starfield, a bookmaker who mistakenly believes he has taken Madge away from Jake. Sammy offers Jake money as compensation, which Jake refuses, opting instead for Sammy to place a bet on his behalf, with the winnings promised to Jake if successful.

An Unexpected Call

On Tuesday, Jake arrives at Sadie’s flat, only to be interrupted by a ringing phone. The caller is Hugo, who promptly hangs up upon learning Jake's identity. Despite Sadie's instructions not to leave, Jake is determined to find Hugo. However, he finds himself locked in, until Dave and Finn fortuitously pass by and help him escape.

A Search for Hugo

With the lock finally picked by Finn, the trio embarks on a hunt for Hugo, following the address Sadie had given them. They find a note indicating Hugo is at a nearby pub, but unfortunately, the note lacks specifics. Failing to locate Hugo, they instead encounter Lefty Todd, a leader of the Independent Socialists. Engaging in political chatter until the pub closes, the group then heads to the Thames for a swim, leading to more drinking. Eventually, Dave recalls a message from Anna for Jake, urging him to meet her urgently.

A Missed Connection

Jake hastens to Anna’s mime theater, only to find it deserted. Noticing a truck with Anna’s belongings nearby, he discovers a note addressed to him. Anna, unable to wait any longer, has accepted an offer. Distressed, Jake leaves the scene and collapses in Hyde Park.

Discovering Betrayal

Upon regaining consciousness, Jake returns to Sadie's flat, overhearing a conversation between Sadie and Sammy. They are conspiring to sell Jake’s translation of Jean Pierre’s novel, The Wooden Butterfly, to Hugo’s film company. Determined to retrieve his work, Jake enlists Finn’s help and heads to Sammy’s flat. Although they don’t find the manuscript, they encounter Mister Mars, a film dog. Jake decides to take the dog, intending to trade him for his translation.

A Cunning Plan

Jake sets off to Bounty Belfounder film studio with Mister Mars, aiming to warn Hugo about Sadie and Sammy’s scheme. Using a ruse to enter the heavily guarded studio, Jake finds a labor rally led by Lefty Todd in...