Albert N. Wilmarth, a folklore scholar, investigates strange tales of mysterious creatures in the Vermont hills. Initially skeptical, he corresponds with Henry Akeley, a local who claims to have proof. As Akeley's letters become more terrifying, describing buzzing voices and alien conspiracies, Wilmarth is drawn into a world of cosmic dread. He travels to Akeley's remote farmhouse to uncover the truth, only to confront a horrifying revelation that challenges the very nature of identity and existence. This novella masterfully builds suspense and paranoia, showcasing Lovecraft's signature style of existential horror.