Set in 18th century Lima, Peru, a rickety bridge which has spanned a deep gorge for ages suddenly breaks, and five people plunge to their deaths. A priest who is deeply affected by the catastrophe decides to make an investigative study of the lives of the victims to determine if he can find some clue to God's intention in casting five dis-associated mortals into eternity at precisely the same moment.

Includes bibliographical note (pages 149-150).

Part one : Perhaps an accident -- Part two : The Marquesa de Montemayor -- Part three : Esteban -- Part four : Uncle Pio -- Part five : Perhaps an intention.