The story concerns the arrival, via a strange craft, of an alien called Brindle, hailed as a heavenly messenger. He is rescued by the Elizabethan people of Malmes-Wutton, who nurse him back to health. The initial fear brought about by the unusual facial feature on his forehead, is soon gone as Brindle shows himself to be a caring friendly individual.
The narrative revolves around the arrival, via an unusual vessel, of an extraterrestrial being named Brindle, who is regarded as a divine envoy. He is rescued by the people of Malmes-Wutton from the Elizabethan era, who nurse him back to health. The initial apprehension caused by his distinctive facial characteristic on his forehead dissipates as Brindle demonstrates himself to be a compassionate and affable individual.