The story begins with a mob outside of the home of atomic scientist, Professor Steve Virely and his family. A message is thrown through the window, shattering the glass. It reads, "In the old day we used to lynch horse thieves. Now we're thinking of starting in on scientists. Ed Burnley." The people of Warren have been picketing for four days now, and not a shred of help has been given to them by the law. Until Sheriff Donovan arrives to disperse the mob. He tells the family that they should leave the little town of Warren for their own safety. Folks are not happy that Steve is no longer working at the research station. They want to know why, and they'll stop at nothing to find out.