Bronze sculptures representing the Chinese Zodiac were looted by Western troops from the Imperial Palace Garden at Beijing during the Opium Wars of the 19th Century. Most of these bronzes have already been recovered by the Chinese, who are very keen to complete the set, which forms a prominent part of their cultural patrimony. The French have recently returned two of the sculptures acquired at auctions. A rumor has arisen that another missing sculpture has resurfaced. The question is where? Several Sunday newspapers assign investigative journalists to help substantiate the rumor. Japan, France and Russia, on learning of its possible resurfacing, are very interested in acquiring it for their own special purposes vis-a-vis their relationships with China. Special agents are assigned to locate and take possession of it. The plot of the novel turns on their acute rivalry. Will Inspector George Mason of Scotland Yard in the end outwit them all, giving the story, which unfolds through several European countries, a surprise ending?"