Summary
Footprints without Feet by H.G. Wells tells the story of Griffin, a brilliant but lawless scientist who invents a drug that makes him invisible. Griffin uses the drug on himself, becoming completely transparent, with only his footprints visible in the mud. Two boys spot his footprints and follow them until they fade away. Despite his brilliance, Griffin is reckless and vengeful; when his landlord tries to evict him, he retaliates by setting the house on fire and fleeing.

Without food, money, or clothes, Griffin roams London, eventually entering a shopping center to warm himself. Once the store closes, he steals clothes, food, and spends the night there. In the morning, to avoid being seen, he removes his clothes and escapes. As the cold becomes unbearable, Griffin steals clothing from a theatre, disguising himself with bandages, dark glasses, a fake nose, and whiskers. He also steals money from a shopkeeper to fund his escape from London to the quiet village of Iping.

In Iping, Griffin’s odd appearance raises suspicion, but he stays isolated at an inn. As his money runs out, he begins stealing again, drawing the attention of the inn’s owners, who try to investigate his room. Enraged, Griffin causes chaos, throwing furniture around. The inn’s owners, terrified, believe supernatural forces are at work. Mrs. Hall, the innkeeper, calls the constable, Mr. Jaffers, to arrest Griffin for the damages. When confronted, Griffin shocks everyone by unwrapping his disguise and revealing his invisible form. Mr. Jaffers tries to arrest him, but Griffin removes his clothes, disappearing completely.

The story highlights how Griffin misuses his scientific discovery, showing the dangers of using science irresponsibly. It warns of the chaos that can arise when powerful inventions are misappropriated for personal gain rather than for the good of society.