The action of the story all takes place in New York, beneath the shadow of the Brooklyn Bridge. There, in an odd little shop with an extensive underground connection, once used to help escaping slaves, old Mr. Crabbe conducts his peculiar and illicit business, greatly helped by Jeremiad "Miad" Blake. This business of old Crabbe''s—and the results it brings about—propel the hero to extraordinary lengths.

"On the whole, a fairly entertaining narrative. New York in the period immediately following the close of the Civil War is interestingly depicted, and the determined Miad Blake proves a likable and efficient hero." -- Literary Digest