In the dead of night Issaiah, a slow-witted boy, waits for the morning when the Master's bell will summon him. A newcomer, Atherton, invited to stay the night after losing his way on the moor, keeps an appointment with Richman, the Permanent Guest. It would seem that no-one can leave the Manor once lured there. Atherton and Richman plot to kill the Master, dismissing Issaiah as being of no help. Both, however, cannot bring themselves to do the deed despite the fact that it will free their souls. The Master's bell rings, Issaiah reveals he has been slowly poisoning the Master. The other two escape, but leave Issaiah, their saviour, in the empty house.