The story's protagonist is a British antiquary named Dennistoun. While on vacation in France, Dennistoun is shown around a cathedral by its verger. Dennistoun notices that the old verger appears to be a very nervous and unhappy man. After the tour of the cathedral, the verger invites Dennistoun back to his house to see an old book that he owns. It is a scrapbook, compiled by a priest in the 17th century, made up mostly of cuttings from medieval manuscripts. The last image in the scrapbook is a frighteningly detailed picture of a demon. Realizing the enormous historical value of the scrapbook, Dennistoun offers to buy it from the verger. The verger agrees to sell it to him for a surprisingly low price. Later that evening, Dennistoun finds out why the verger is happy to part with the book.