Sydney's ex and good colleague Ross Crawford implores her and Nigel to stop his magical rapid aging by returning to the Congo an idol of the god Woote which he took from the sanctuary before learning about its curse. They accept to attempt the put-back with a guide Ross proposes, masquerading as missionaries. The native guide, actually Frits's assistant Abdulla, is only helpful dodging the rapacious troops which terrorize the whole province. Once inside, treachery adds to the challenge of working out, from inconclusive notes, how to move and replace the statue, hastily as the annual ceremony is starting, midst traps and robbers.
—KGF Vissers