A man of high social standing discovers he possesses a sixth sense—telegnomy or far-knowing—and the narrative traces how this faculty shapes a remarkable period of his life. Through a sequence of episodes he uses visions and uncanny intuition to find and rescue acquaintances, to confront enigmatic figures, and to perform startling public demonstrations; these events entangle him with friends and lovers including Constantine, Maggie Hutchinson, Steindal, Frank Hooper, and Nora Cazenove. The account balances adventurous incidents with examinations of personal responsibility, skepticism from scientific observers, and a climactic struggle involving love and mortality.