Edward Malone, a young reporter for the Daily Gazette, requests a perilous assignment from his editor in order to please Gladys, the woman he loves, who wishes for a magnificent man capable of courageous deeds and actions. His mission is to approach the infamous Professor Challenger, who despises the popular press and physically assaults journalists who interfere with his work. The topic will be his recent South American excursion, which has been marred by controversy and is sure to elicit a negative response. Because a straight approach would be immediately rejected, Malone disguises himself as a devout student. When he first meets the professor, he is taken aback by his menacing appearance, but he believes his ruse is working.