Almost two years after H.G, Wells' novel The Time Machine was published New York City, a dazed young man shows up in Ruth Lonegon's hayloft. He's lost his memory, and all he has on him are shreds of burned clothing and a handful of very curious pocket change. Only the vaguest of clues hint at who he is, and more importantly - why he's come to a small town in 1896 Colorado. Murder, treasure hunting and young love span one hundred and seventeen years when the events of the future affect the past