While out with Martin, Frasier and Niles unexpectedly spot one of their favorite writers -- a reclusive man named T.H. Houghton. They leave Martin in a pub while they take off in pursuit of Houghton, hoping to meet him and talk about his work. After hours of searching everywhere for Houghton, Frasier and Niles return to the pub to find the esteemed author having a beer with Martin! Apparently, Martin befriended Houghton in the bar, and the two older men have struck up a fast friendship.

A few days later, as Martin is waiting for Houghton to pick him up, he casually mentions that Houghton has written his first book in over twenty years. After Houghton and Martin leave, the brothers notice that he has left behind his manuscript. They can’t help themselves, and begin reading it.

When Houghton catches Frasier and Niles engrossed in his masterpiece, he asks for their opinion. Wanting to show Houghton that they appreciate the finer points of his work, the Cranes comment on how it mirrors Dante. Houghton commends them on their perception, and then proceeds to toss his manuscript over the balcony, convinced that the entire book is a flawed knock-off.