This is credible science fiction, set against the factual story of the development of East Kent coalmines 100 years ago including the strange beginning of the famous Aerial Rope Way carrying the coal from the Tilmanstone Colliery to Dover Port . Godwin-Austen the geologist discovers coal at Tilmanstone with the help of a strange young girl, Lizzie Lickorish, who is very intelligent and knowing for a Victorian country girl and has a secret to reveal. Very soon a science fiction story develops that is mystifying, affecting many of the characters in the village, with Godwin and Lizzie being the central players. Tragedy features with a disaster at the new mine, unexplained deaths including the vicar's demise!