Weird science fiction in a contemporary setting, here is one of Gene Wolfe's major novels--now back in print! Four people in contemporary Chicago become caught up in searching for the lost treasure of Benjamin Free. Jim Stubb, an out-of-work detective; Madame Serpentina, the occultist; Ozzie Barnes, the salesman; and Candy Garth, the generous and overweight prostitute, are brought together for a time to live in Free's house, a house scheduled for demolition. When the demolition occurs and Free disappears, they make a pact to continue the search.