The brothers

Set against the background of a civil war and likely influenced by the events occuring in Spain, Wells presents a satire written in the form of an allegory. Bolaris was fiercely loyal to the Strong Men. So when Number Four informed him that Ratzel, leader of the enemy, had been captured, it was naturally a cause for celebration - that was until Bolaris actually met his great opponent. The likeness between Bolaris and Ratzel was so remarkable that Bolaris was left in no doubt that they were related - brothers, or perhaps even twins. As sworn enemies, and now as his captor, Bolaris had to work out a way to discover the truth of his identity - and do so without sacrificing his loyalty.