This suspense adventure-thriller is based on the fiction that Christopher Marlowe, poet and playwright, concealed a work of art in solid gold at the back of a cave near his home, at that time, in Cornwall, the Red House. This treasure is said to be created by the outstanding Goldsmith, Benvenuto Cellini, and is considered to be worth a substantial fortune. Harry Guest, just returning from World War II, is a visitor to the Red House. After damaging an ancient wall by accident, he finds a letter dated 1593, which refers vaguely to the Cellini Piece, plus details of its approximate whereabouts in the cave. The search for the masterpiece and its hiding place, intermingled with a touching love story, are paralleled by the threatening intervention of a dangerous man. The latter has discovered details to the treasure, which he is determined to find and seize before Harry can come across it. The tale ends in an unexpected and sensational finale.