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Contents for August, 1927

Cover Design_Hugh Rankin
Illustrating a scene in “The Bride of Osiris’’

The Eyrie_ 148

A chat with the readers

The Bride of Osiris (Part 1)_Otis Adelbert Kline 151

A three-part Egyptian serial story of Osiris, the Festival of Re,
strange murders, the Am-mits, and the dungeons of Karneter

Satan’s Fiddle_George Malcolm-Smith 173

The cataclysmic power of music—the death chord—and hideous
dissonances that can cause a building to crumble

The Power of the Dog_G. G. Pendarves 188

A tale of Arabian blach magic, and the terrifying fate that befell
two Englishmen at the hands of Daouad

(Continued on Next Page)

146 COPYRIGHTED GREAT BRITAIN

 (Continued from Preceding Page)

Creeping Shadows-Seabury Quinn 193

Out of the darkness crept two shapes—and their coming was fol¬
lowed by mysterious deaths—a tale of Jules de Grandin

Lake Desolation-*-Leavenworth Macnab 206

Verse

Fly Island._....B. Wallis 207

Gigantic insects flashed through the air and stung to death all
mm or animals that approached their lair

The Man With a Thousand Legs__Frank Belknap Long, Jr. 219

A horror-tale of the sea—a bizarre and fantastic story about a
weird and terrible monster

The Phantom Photoplay_Terva Gaston Hubbard 235

A ghost-story of the motion picture industry—Martini, the raja
of the films, boasted that he always collected his debts

The Swamp--__.Cristel Hastings 241

The Dark Chrysalis (Conclusion)_Eli Colter 242

The epic of the microbe-hwiters—a three-part serial story dealing
with the terrible scourge of cancer

Two Black Bottles_Wilfred Blanch Talman 251

Old Dominie Vanderhoof was dead, but he did not rest in his
grave, for evil was afoot in the old Dutch church

Who Killed Jack Robbins_Robert Lee Heiser 259

Don Quixote and Sancho Panza are evoked out of mist and moon¬
beams to save Kitty Bobbins from a gruesome murder

Beethoven-Robert S. Carr 266

Weird Story Reprint

The Queen of Spades-Alexander Pushkin 267

For Advertising Rates in WEIRD TALES Apply Direct to

WEIRD TALES

rlSMr-
l4f
 [ERE have been just five dissenting voices amid the chorus of praise
for Ray Cummings’ remarkable interplanetary serial, Explorers Into
JL Infinity, which ended in the June issue of Weird Tales. Two readers
wrote in that they did not like the story, and three others liked the story but
not the ending. “One would gain the idea that the author knew we were
all dumb-bells,” writes Mrs. W. Lange, of Portland, Oregon, one of the two
who disliked the story, “and of course we wouldn’t understand what he was
trying to convey, so he explained so long and tediously that I was dreadfully
bored, being away ahead of him in comprehension while he was still trying to
explain what was clear to me in a few words.” And C. H. Paple,
of Lansing, Ontario, writes: “I did not eare for Explorers Into Infinity
much, there were so many technical phrases which dulled the interest of the
story. But as a constant reader of Weird Tales for the past two years, I can
truthfully say it is the finest, cleanest and most thrilling book that ever came
into my hands.”
Ralph McCormack, of Ashland, Oregon, writes to The Eyrie: “I have
just finished Explorers Into Infinity and don’t like the way it ended. For I
would like to know if Brett ever got back or not, and what happened to him,
whether he was lost in Space and Time or killed by some of the giants. I
would like to have a sequel and I think many more would, too.”
“The one mistake Ray Cummings made in his story, Explorers Into
Infinity,” writes “Interested Reader,” “is the abrupt ending of it. It is a
great story otherwise.”
“Ray Cummings’ very excellent novelette, Explorers Into Infinity, has
but concluded as I write,” says D. E. Helmuth, of Cleveland, Ohio. “I
have gleefully read all three parts. Now from time to time you have given
us stories which have made a strong impression on me (like Drome or the
Lovecraft tales), but none of them (with the possible exception of The Woman
of the Wood) has affected me as has Mr. Cummings’ tale. The construction,
the realistic sequence of events and the telling of the story are such as to
produce a lasting impression. After you have recovered from the first shock
you readily fall in with the general scheme of things. The story is incomplete.
Of course Brett Gryce arrived safely. Leela was waiting for him, or was
she taken by those dwindling giants? Did Brett follow her to the land of
those giants? Did Brett get the sort of reception he deserved? We must
assuredly have a sequel. Please induce Mr. Cummings to give us one.. Ex-
(Continued on page 283)
148
7 Out of 10 Are Prospects!
If You Sell VE-PO-AD
The New Vest Pocket Adding Machine
I Turned To Ice When
I Tried To Talk
-But Now I Can Sway An
Audience of Thousands/
 CHAPTER 1 tuating the prominence of his aqui¬
line nose, above which his heavy eye¬
THE POCK-MARKED MAN
brows met in a straight line. In his
“ ALAN, that man has followed piercing black eyes as they swept the
us here! Look!” room was the look of one accustomed
JL jL Alan Buell glanced guard¬ to command.
edly in the direction indicated by the Alan’s eyes returned to those of his
frightened blue eyes of his dancing troubled fiancee as the intervening
partner. He saw two men seated at a dancers shut the black-bearded man
table edging the dance floor. The one from view, and he smiled slightly.
nearest him did not appear extraor¬ “I don’t know that we can do any¬
dinary—just a plain man-about- thing about it, Doris,” he said. “This
town, middle-aged and a bit portly— is a free country, you know, and
the kind one meets at every turn in we ’re in a public cafe. ’ ’
Chicago’s places of amusement. The Doris Lee pouted prettily.
other presented a striking figure. He “I wish you would be serious for
was tall and broad-shouldered and just one minute, Alan. You know
sat with the erect carriage of a sol¬ that man has stared at me across the
dier. A black, square-cut beard hid orchestra pit all season. I haven’t
the lower part of his features, accen¬ been able to enjoy the opera one bit
152 WEIRD TALES

on account of him. Now he grows Doris, kicking, struggling and scream¬

bolder and follows us to this cafe. Of ing, into a waiting car!
course he hasn’t done anything one ' Alan reached the running board
could openly resent, but I’ve noticed with a frantic leap, just as the car
his covert glances time and again, started. He wrenched at the handle
and I’m afraid.” of the rear door but found it locked.
“Perhaps,” replied Alan, dryly, A brutal, pock-marked face glared
“ he'thought you were staring at him out at him. Beyond that face he saw
and was trying to confirm his sus¬ Doris still struggling with the second
picions.” man. In desperation he smashed the
glass with his bare fist, and reaching
“Alan Buell, you are exasperating
within, grappled with the man with
tonight. If you could only realize
the pock-marked face.
how I feel. Why, I fairly shudder
The second abductor, seeing his
every time we pass that table.”
companion in danger, suddenly
When they passed the black-beard¬ whipped a blackjack from his pocket
ed man again Alan looked at him
and brought it into play. At the first
with unconcealed ire. He was lazily blow Alan hung on doggedly, but at
lighting a long Oriental cigarette, the
the second he toppled from the now
while he attended the animated con¬ rapidly moving car, rolled over and
versation of his companion. over, and struck the curbing with a
The music stopped with a raucous crash. Then came oblivion.
syncopated wail and they returned to
their table. CHAPTER 2
“If that man makes you nervous
THE MYSTIC SYMBOL
let’s go somewhere else,” suggested
Alan. W hen Alan Buell regained con¬
He summoned the waiter and asked sciousness he was propped
for the check. against the curbing, supported by two
“I don’t believe I care to dance men. One was short and rotund of
any more. My nerves are in shreds. body, with a pink, babylike face. The
Take me'home, please. other was a huge, burly individual
As they made their way between with a bristling, iron-gray mustache
the tables many admiring glances and a half-concealed twinkle about
were cast on Doris by the late diners. his eyes that belied the frowning
Alan noticed them, and although he brow.
had always been proud of her spark¬ “Peeling better, boy?” he asked.
ling beauty, somehow he resented the ‘ ‘ I feel all right, ’ ’ responded Alan,
attentions paid her at the moment. weakly attempting to rise. ‘ ‘ Where’s
He looked sharply at the black- Doris?”
bearded man, but that individual still “Whoa! Not so fast, lad, not so
appeared absorbed in the conversa¬ fast,” said the big man, restraining
tion of his pudgy companion. him. “Rest for a minute or two.
Pausing to don his topcoat at the Then we’ll let the doctor decide
check stand while Doris walked slowly whether you leave in an ambulance
ahead, Alan suddenly heard a scream or a taxi.”
of terror., He ran forward, hatless, “Is Doris safe?” he asked, still
an awful fear gripping his heart. struggling to get up.
The doorman, resplendent in blue and “Don’t know yet,” replied the big
gold braid, lay on the floor, blood man, and there was a note of kindness
trickling from a gash in his temple. in his voice despite its gruff ness.
Beyond him two men were dragging “Foqr flivver squads are chasing the
 THE BRIDE OF OSIRIS 153

kidnapers, and the police all over the us, lad,” he said, when Alan, his hand
city are on the lookout for them. swathed in bandages, was assisted to
They ought to run them down soon. ’ ’ his feet. “I think you had better
A coupe stopped near them with, come along over to headquarters.”
shrieking brakes, and a slender, gray- “Who are you, anyhow?” asked
liaired man carrying a surgical case Alan.
stepped out. “I’m McGraw. This man is
“You made good time, Doc,” Hirsch, head of our fingerprint de¬
boomed the big man. partment. The man who dressed
“Not so bad, Chief, ’ ’ was the reply. your wounds is Dr. Brown.”
He stopped beside Alan and exam¬ Alan had read much of the activ¬
ined him with deft, exploring fingers. ities of Chief of Detectives McGraw,
“No broken bones, only a few and now recognized him as the
bruises and scratches, ’ ’ he announced. subject of numerous photographs
“The left hand seems badly lacer¬ published in the newspapers when
ated. ’ ’ particularly striking exploits of his
For the first time Alan became con¬ department had been brought to the
scious of the fact that his left hand public notice.
pained him severely. The fingers “Guess I should have recognized
were tightly clenched and ragged cuts you before, Chief,” said Alan, “but
smeared with half-dried blood showed my head was sort of fuddled from
on the knuckles. the blackjack.”
“Looks as if you had been teasing “Used a blackjack on you, did
a wildcat,” said the surgeon, moisten¬ they?” said the chief good-naturedly.
ing some cotton with the fluid from “Didn’t know whether you got those
a bottle taken from his case. “Relax bumps before you fell or when you
those muscles, man. Give your blood lit.’’
a chance to work for you. ” “I wouldn’t have fallen so easily
Alan opened his fingers stiffly. As without them.”
he did so a small, glittering object “No, I guess you wouldn’t, lad.
fell from his grasp, clattering to the Witnesses said you put up a pretty
pavement. stiff fight, but they couldn’t see the
With a grunt of surprize, the big clouts you got in the cab. My car
man retrieved it, then examined it is parked down by the cafe. We’ll
curiously while the doctor dressed the get it and drive to headquarters.”
injured digits. Presently he handed The drive to headquarters, only
it to his shorter companion. four blocks distant, was a matter of
The latter, as soon as he saw it, minutes, but they seemed like hours
showed intense amazement. to Alan, impatient for news of Doris.
“My God, Chief!” he exclaimed; As he alighted from the car, his head
‘ ‘ what is such a symbol doing here ? ’’ still reeling from the blows of the
“Know what it represents?” kidnapers, it seemed that he was ex¬
“Not in modern society. It’s like periencing a hideous nightmare—
a voice from the tomb. I once stud¬ that he must presently awaken to find
ied-” He hesitated and looked it all a dream. When they reached
significantly at Alan and the doctor. the outer office the voice of the chief
“Tell you about it later.” addressing a pale, slender young fel¬
“All right.” The big man took it low industriously pounding the keys
from him, turned it a few times under of a typewriter, recalled him to grim
the light, and dropped it in his vest reality.
pocket. “Any news of the kidnaped girl,
“Guess you’ve been holding out on Jamison?” he inquired.
154 WEIRD TALES

“Nothing yet, Chief.” never saw the thing before. What

“Come into my office and bring does it represent?”
your notebook.” “You know well enough what it
They followed the chief into the represents or you wouldn’t have tried
private office. He waved them to to hide it from me. ’ ’
seats, unlocked his desk, raised the “But I didn’t try to hide it.”
roll top and sat down heavily.. From “What?” The chief scowled un¬
a lower drawer he produced a box, believingly at him across the table.
and offered some thick black cigars
“I think he’s tellin’ the truth,
to all in turn. Jamison politely re¬
• Chief,” Hirsch cut in. “Looks to
fused and Hirsch took a cigar. Alan
me like he tore it off one of the kid¬
looked at the stalwart Havanas "with
napers in the fight and had a kind
some misgivings.
of death-grip on it when they knocked
“Have a smoke,” said the chief. him out.”
“It’ll quiet your nerves.”
“Maybe you’re right at that. It
Somewhat in doubt about the effect
looked suspicious the way he clutched
on his nerves, Alan complied.
it and then dropped it on the pave¬
McGraw tucked a cigar far back
ment. There are so many secret soci¬
in his cheek, lighted it, and leaned
eties these days a man doesn’t know
across the glass-topped table. Jamison
whom to trust.”
rapidly thumbed the pages of his
“I ean assure you that I don’t
notebook, stopped, and held his pencil
belong to any of them,” said Alan
in readiness.
with some show of spirit.
“Your name and address,” said
McGraw. “I believe you, lad, but you know
“Alan Buell, 18 Circle Court,” he it’s the business of a detective to
replied. examine every possibility. I suggest
“You’re not the son of Will Buell, that you jump in a taxi and go home
the importer?” now. We will notify Miss Lee’s par¬
“Will Buell is my father.” ents and do all we can to save her.
McGraw turned to Jamison. You’re not in shape to be of any help
“Put down ‘Buell & Son, Impor¬ around here and a night’s rest will
ters, West Kinzie Street.’ ” do you good. I’ll ring you up as
The chief toyed for a moment with soon as we get news of the girl.”
the small glittering object that had
dropped from Alan’s hand. CHAPTER 3
“Who was the young lady with A CLUE AND A TRAP
you?”
“Doris Lee, my fiancee, daughter T he next morning Chief McGraw,
of Professor Lee of Evanston.” his after-breakfast cigar tucked
“Where did you get this?” The snugly in his cheek, drove up before
chief leaned forward suddenly and headquarters and was about to step
thrust the glittering object under out of his car when he saw something
Alan’s nose. It was a flat, square across the street that caused him to
piece of beaten gold with a small ring, pause in astonishment. Then, quickly
to which were attached a few links leaping out, he crossed to where a
of chain. On one side a burnished cab was parked near the curb. He
convex disk stood out in relief. On peered inside and saw Alan Buell,
the other was a raised figure of a still in evening clothes, his head
throne surmounted by an eye. bandages awry and those on his hand
Alan looked puzzled. presenting a rather soiled appearance,
“I don’t know,” he replied. “I curled up on the cushions, sound
 THE BRIDE OF OSIRIS 155

asleep. He addressed the driver, who cheek and stared at the youth in
was nodding drowsily over the wheel. open-mouthed amazement.
“Where the devil have you been “Why—er—I don’t know. Most of
all night?” the men on my force have done their
“If you’d ask me where we ain’t turn in the harness before they were
been I could tell you better, ’ ’ replied promoted to this work. But what
the driver. “Are you a friend of about your father and your busi¬
dis guy?” ness?”
“I’m McGraw of the detective “That’s all fixed up. I ’phoned
bureau.” Dad a few minutes ago and he told
‘ ‘ Holy cats! We didn’t do nothin ’ me to go to it if—if it would help
but drive around, east, west, north to relieve my feelings. I don’t care
and south. He slipped me fifty bucks about the pay—would rather that you
and kept me goin’ first one way, then wouldn’t pay me—but I’ve simply
another. At six bells this momin’ got to find Doris.”
we’re clear to the city limits on the “Hum. Tell you what I’ll do. I’ll
north side and I asks him where to. make you a special officer. You can
He says come back here. When we consider yourself hired, and your first
get here he’s poundin’ his ear just orders are to go home and clean up
like you see him, so I park the car and rest up. Drop in after lunch and
and wait for him to wake up. He’s I’ll start you off.”
still got about ten bucks worth of
service cornin’.” P romptly at 1 o’clock Jamison ush¬
“All right. Let him sleep.. I sup¬ ered Buell into the office of the
pose he’ll want to see me when he chief. McGraw looked up from a pile
wakes up. I’ll be in the office until of reports he was scanning.
noon.” “Take a seat, lad,” he said. “Send
“I’ll tell him, sir, when he wakes Rafferty in, Jamison.”
up.” Buell sat in silence while the chief
An hour later McGraw looked up shuffled the papers before him. Pres¬
from the stack of reports on his desk ently Rafferty came in. He was short,
as Jamison entered. about five feet five inches, but power¬
“Mr. Buell to see you, Chief.” fully built, with bulging neck mus¬
“Show him in.” cles, broad shoulders and long, ca¬
Alan Buell, still in disheveled eve¬ pable-looking arms. The scattered
ning clothes, entered and took the freckles on his merry Celtic counte¬
chair indicated by the chief. The nance matched the copper hue of his
latter anticipated the question on his hair and eyebrows. He walked with
lips before he could speak. a rolling stride that suggested recent
“Sorry, lad. We have no news of acquaintance with the deck of a ship.
Miss Lee yet.” His age could not have been more
Alan’s face fell and he sat for a than twenty-seven.
moment in sorrowful silence. When “Dan, this is Mr. Buell, the new
at length he spoke, there was a glint man I told you about, ’ ’ said the chief.
in his eyes and a determined set to “Mr. Buell—Mr. Rafferty.”
his jaw. As the two men acknowledged the
“Chief, I wonder if you would do introduction, Buell noted the viselike
me a special favor?” grip of those strong fingers and re¬
“What favor, lad?” flected that Rafferty would be a mean
“I’d like a job—and an assignment antagonist in a rough-and-tumble.
to this case.” ‘ ‘ Jamison will sign you up and give
McGraw removed his cigar from his you your badge and equipment,” con-
156 WEIRD TALES

tinued McGraw. “Rafferty has his part of the city on the south side
orders and will show you the ropes known as the “Black Belt.” They
from then on. Good luck to you, had just completed a thorough inter¬
lads.” rogation of an “Uncle” who loaned
Some minutes later, with a badge money on, bought and sold everything
pinned to his vest, an automatic from the gaudy gewgaws so dear to
resting snugly against his hip, and the hearts of the neighborhood gentle¬
Dan Rafferty shuffling along beside men of color down to second-hand
him, Detective Alan Buell went to underwear, and were making their
work on his first assignment. Rafferty way to the corner for the purpose of
had the curious gold ornament he had boarding a downtown street-car, when
tom from the man with the pock¬ a large limousine backed slowly out
marked face, and a list of jewelry of a garage, blocking the sidewalk for
stores they were to visit. a moment.
“The chief says to show this to all Buell glanced casually at the lim¬
the joolers an’ try to find out where ousine as it glided out before him,
it was bought and by who,” said then looked again with a surprized
Rafferty. “A moighty slow job he gasp of recognition, as the driver
picked fer a couple av young bloods shifted his gears and whirled away.
that craves excitement.” Grabbing Rafferty by the arm he
pointed excitedly in the direction of
“You are fond of a fight, I take
the departing automobile.
it.” Buell noted the husky build of
his companion. “Look!” he cried. “There’s the
“No more and no less than any kidnaper’s car!”
thrue Irishman. Wrestlin’ was me “The diwil!”
dish in the navy. I held the middle¬ Rafferty whisked pad and pencil
weight belt av me submarine squad¬ from his pocket and took down the
ron whin I was discharged. Me license number.
joints are gettin’ rusty wid lack of “We’ll give the chief a ring,” he
exercise on this job.” said. “Are yez sure that’s the right
“How long have you been on the bus?”
force ? ’ ’ “Positive. That’s a specially built
“About six months this time, body. I don’t believe there’s another
though I wore the harness a couple just like it in Chicago.”
av years before I jined the navy, and ‘ ‘ Some millynaire’s private gig, eh ?
diwil a bit of fightin’ have I seen.” We’ll run him down aisy, now.”
There was a look of genuine regret They entered the garage office and
in his blue eyes. “If we could only obtained permission to use the tele¬
meet up wid them lubbers that ran phone. Rafferty called headquarters.
off wid yer girl, now, it wouldn’t be “Hello, Chief. This is Dan Raf¬
so bad.” ferty. Buell just spotted the kidnap¬
“It wouldn’t,” agreed Buell heart¬ ers’ car.” He referred to his pad,
ily. then gave the license number and de¬
A thorough canvass of the loop scription. “It’s cruisin’ north on
jewelry stores, taking the rest of that Wentworth Avenue now. Quiz the
day and all of the next, failed to yield garage man and come right in? Yis
a single clue. Three more days spent sor. Good-bye.”
in calling on the outlying stores and He turned to the office man, a pale,
pawn-shops were fully as discourag¬ slightly built fellow with furtive,
ing. shifty eyes.
The end of the third day—a rather “Who owns that car that just
strenuous one—found them in that backed out av here?” he asked.
 THE BRIDE OF OSIRIS 157

“I don’t know. Wait here and I’ll The unequal contest was soon ter¬
find out for you. The foreman hasn’t minated. With hands and feet se¬
turned in the ticket yet.” curely bound, a coarse gag in his
He went out into the garage and mouth and a blindfold over his eyes
they saw him question a workman in he was half dragged, half carried for
greasy brown overalls. some distance, then lifted and thrown
into what appeared to .be a motor
“I don’t like the look av that
truck, for he heard the roar of the
bird,” said Rafferty. “He’s got a
engine and felt the jolting of the
bad eye.”
vehicle as it whirled away.
“I’ve been thinking the same
thing,” replied Buell. “He was all
CHAPTER 4
ears when you were talking to the
chief.” THE MUFFLED FIGURE
The office man came baek presently,
and they saw the workman walk to¬
W hen she was dragged into the
car by her two abductors,
ward the back of the garage.
Doris Lee fought gamely, but to no
“Foreman’s down in the machine purpose. Buell’s leap to the running
shop,” he explained. “Sent a man board and his subsequent battle with
after him. I can’t leave the office, the pock-marked man, in which he
you know.” appeared to be gaining the upper
They sat down to wait. Presently hand, brought hope of a speedy res¬
the workman reappeared. cue. Then the man who held her
“The boss’s busy grindin’ some swung his blackjack into play. Hor¬
valves on a rush job,” he said. “Says rified at sight of Buell’s fall from the
for you two guys to come on down if swiftly moving car, she attempted to
you want to talk to him.” scream, but a heavy hand was clapped
They followed the man to the back over her mouth. She bit the hand,
of the garage. He opened a rickety and her captor shook her roughly.
wooden door and held it for them to “Easy, Spud,” cautioned the man
pass. A dark stairway yawned be¬ with the pock-marked face. “Re¬
fore them. member the boss said to treat her
“Go ahead and I’ll hold my flash gentle.”
for you,” he said. “The stair light’s “You can’t hold a wildcat and
burnt out and we’re short of globes. treat it gentle,” replied the man
You’ll find the boss in the front end called Spud. “She bit clean through
of the machine shop.” my hand. Pull down them side cur¬
Rafferty hesitated. Then, appar¬ tains and let’s get busy. We ain’t
ently reassured, he shrugged his got much time.”
shoulders and started down the stair¬ They were out of the loop, now,
way. Buell followed, and the work¬ and whirling along at breakneck
man came behind him with the light. speed, but Doris, crowded down on
Suddenly, just as Rafferty reached the cushions between the two men,
the foot of the stairs, Buell saw a could not tell in what direction. The
cylindrical -object flash out from the pock-marked ruffian pulled down the
darkness at the right and crash on shades, then took a light, tough cord
the Irishman’s skull. An instant later from his pocket and bound her
something struck him a terrifie blow wrists.
on the back of the head, strong arms “Hold still, lady, and you won’t
seized him from behind, and he was get hurt,” he said. “Pull at them
forced to the floor, half dazed, yet cords and they’ll cut the skin from
struggling to shake off his assailants. your wrists.”
158 WEIRD TALES

"Get busy with that gag and blind¬ ually dying in the distance told her
fold, Pock,” grunted Spud.. "I the two men had left.
ain’t getting’ enough jack out of this “Fear not, glorious one,” said the
to pay me for losin’ a hand.” voice beside her. “The skin of Bar-
“A bite from that little mouth sar is black, but the heart is loyal
ain’t goin’ to hurt you none. Hold and his arm is strong. He will guide
her head up a little higher.” and guard you safely to the blessed
They forced a gag into her mouth, portals of Karneter.”
tied a white silk muffler over her eyes, He removed the gag from her
and lifted her to a more comfortable mouth, which was a great relief, and
position in the rocking tonneau. She she requested that her bandage be
pulled at the cords that held her loosened. This also was done. Then
wrists, and they cut her cruelly. The she heard a humming sound like that
gag half choked her and the blindfold of hidden motors and her guide led
was so tight her eyes ached, but she her forward a few paces. Again the
had no way of protesting and realized motors hummed and there was a
that it was useless to struggle further. sound behind her as if a heavy door
After what seemed at least an hour or gate had slid into place.
of fast driving, every minute of Once more her guide led her for¬
which held both mental and physical ward. Presently she found herself
torture for the girl, the car came to descending a stairway. And such a
a sudden, shrieking stop. stairway! She thought they had
The two men helped her out and traveled at least a mile down those
she heard it speed away. Then they steps when they reached a level floor
piloted her down a short flight of once more.
steps and paused before a door at Again she heard the droning hum
which one of them knocked—a series of motors. As they progressed this
of timed taps that revealed the use humming sound recurred at regular
of a code of some sort. She heard intervals for a considerable distance.
the door open, was led forward Then her guide stopped.
through several more doors, and came “Barsar can go no farther,” he
to a stop at sound of a voice in front said. “From this point others will
of her. guide you.”
Another came, a woman this time,
“Stop. You two can go no far¬
to judge from the sound of her voice.
ther. Give the girl to me. It is the
“Come, glorious one,” she said,
command of the High One.”
placing her hand on Doris’ arm.
“Where d’ya get that boloney, “Let Thansor guide you through the
black boy?” It was the voice of portals of Karneter, the blessed.”
Spud. “We ain’t givin’ this girl to The motors hummed once more.
no nigger.”
Then they walked forward and de¬
She heard the voice of Pock. “It’s scended a flight of steps. At the bot¬
all right, Spud. You’re new at this tom the guide helped Doris into what
game. The man’s a eunuch and what was evidently a vehicle of some sort,
he says is true. We can’t go no far¬ for it contained a cushioned seat and
ther. Ain’t allowed.” moved away noiselessly, swaying
“All right, you win. You been slightly from side to side.
here a long time so you ought to know For twenty minutes she rode in the
your onions. ’ ’ soundless, swinging vehicle. When
Doris felt a large hand on her arm, at length her guide helped her out,
and drew back with a shudder. The they climbed a flight of broad, stone
sound of retreating footsteps grad¬ steps, and entered a room which,
 THE BRIDE OF OSIRIS 159

judging from the echoes of their foot¬ her to a cushioned seat. Deftly,
steps on the hard floor and the time swiftly, the hands removed her bonds
it took to cross it, was quite large. and blindfold. When she opened her
There was a pungent fragrance in eyes she saw that she was attended by
the air that reminded her of incense. two girls attired in garments of
strange design—clinging, translucent
Passing into what was evidently a
fabric of light blue trimmed with
carpeted hallway, she was led for
gold. Their bare feet were shod with
some distance farther, then a door sandals of light blue leather. Both
was thrown open and she was piloted
girls were quite pretty, each in her
through it. It closed with a metallic
own way. The girl who had just re¬
clang.
moved her blindfold stood beside her.
‘ ‘ Sisa! Tirabel! ’ ’ her guide called. She was tall and willowy, with an
“The glorious one has come. Attend olive complexion and glossy, jet-black
her promptly, for the Lord of Kam- hair. The other, the one who had re¬
eter will soon be here.” moved her bonds, knelt before her,
The door opened and Doris heard gently rubbing her wrists. She was
the departing footsteps of her guide. smaller, more inclined to plumpness,
Gentle hands on each side of her led and had a pink and white complexion
160 WEIRD TALES

and fluffy auburn hair. She was the simitar was belted to her waist and
first to speak. she carried a long spear. The light
“I am Tirabel, glorious one,” she glinted from her burnished helmet as
said. ‘‘Sisa and I have been sent she stooped to pass through the door¬
here to minister to your wants. You way. She was as generously propor¬
must be tired after your journey to tioned in width as in stature and the
Kameter. Sisa will prepare a re¬ muscles of her bare arms stood out
freshing bath while I help you with like those of a trained athlete. Ground¬
your clothing.” ing her spear, she looked down at Sisa
and said in a deep, almost masculine
W hile she was being made ready voice:
for the bath, Doris had time for “News comes that the High One
a detailed observation of her sur¬ has arrived. Is all in readiness ? * ’
roundings. She occupied a suite con¬ “All is ready,” replied Sisa.
sisting of three rooms and bath. It “Then depart, that the glorious
was furnished lavishly, gorgeously, one may receive her lord alone.”
the predominating colors being blue Bowing low before Doris, Sisa and'
and gold. Hangings were of blue Tirabel took their departure. The
velvet fringed with gold and deco¬ giantess backed out after them and
rated near the top with an irregular Doris noticed an iron-barred gate
sprinkling of silver stars worked into standing ajar just beyond it. When
the fabric. The lacquered furniture the door was closed once more she
was grotesquely carved, representing heard the clang of the gate as it
lions, leopards, human-headed ani¬ swung into place.
mals, and queer monstrosities that She pondered the words of the
eould scarcely be said to resemble giantess: ‘ ‘ That she may receive her
either humans or animals. lord alone. ” Someone, a man, a ruler
After a luxurious scented bath in of some sort, was coming to her
a sunken marble tub, and a brisk rub- rooms. Evidently she had been ab¬
down at the hands of Sisa, Doris was ducted by his order. Why? For what
arrayed in light blue clothing and purpose? She shuddered as she
sandals similar to the costumes of the thought of the possibilities.
two girls but more richly ornamented. Rushing to the nearest window,
Then Tirabel bound her fluffy golden she drew back the blue silk curtains
hair with a band of blue velvet which and looked out. It was barred with
supported a glittering silver star heavy rods of steel. Beyond, she saw
above her forehead. what looked like a tropical garden,
The two girls surveyed their handi¬ bathed in moonlight. She ran to the
work with open admiration. next window, then the two remaining
“Is she not lovely, Sisa?” mur¬ ones. All were similarly barred.
mured Tirabel. There remained only the door.
“Almost too lovely to be real,” re¬ Hurrying across the room, she opened
plied Sisa. “Our mighty lord would it softly. The gate was in plaee,
not have chosen her, otherwise. It fastened with a huge padlock. Just
must be that she is the most beautiful in front of the gate stood the armed
woman in the upper and lower giantess. She shut the door without
worlds. ’ ’ heed to the noise it might make, made
Suddenly a loud knocking sounded a last, hopeless circuit of the rooms,
at the door. Sisa opened it, and was and returning, sank down on a blue
confronted by a gigantic woman who and gold couch in utter despair.
wore metal breastplates and wristlets Tears came presently, and she
and a cuirass of chain mail. A huge buried her wet face among the soft
 THE BRIDE OF OSIRIS 161

cushions, weeping helplessly—hope¬ ried a few steps farther and a door

lessly. Minutes passed—more than opened. His captors lowered him to
thirty of them—and with them the the floor. Then they left him with¬
flood of her tears. Complete exhaus¬ out a word. He heard them close
tion claimed her and she lay back and lock the door and walk away,
languidly, only keeping her eyes their footsteps dying in the distance.
open and her faculties alert by a Buell’s hands were bound in front
supreme effort of will. of him, and he was testing the
The minutes dragged on in dreary strength of his bonds when a loud,
procession. She was nearly asleep* blood-curdling groan suddenly shat¬
when suddenly she heard the grating tered the comparative stillness. He
of a key and the creak of the metal lifted his hands and dragged the gag
gate. Then the door opened softly from his mouth. Then he pushed
and a tall figure, muffled from head back the blindfold, yet all was black
to foot in a dark blue cloak, stepped around him.
into the room. A series of grunts in the direction
Too paralyzed with fear to so much from which the groan had come was
as lift a hand, Doris gazed at the followed by a string of forceful and
cloaked figure in wide-eyed horror. picturesque Celtic invective.
Above the folds of the cloak which “Rafferty,” he called, “is that
concealed the lower part of the you?”
face, she saw a pair of eyes—glitter¬ “Heaven be praised, yer alive then,
ing, cruel, hawklike — regarding her Buell,” came the response. “I
steadily. Heavy black eyebrows that thought maybe the dirty diwils had
met in a straight line above the nose kilt you.”
added to the fierceness of their ex- “Not yet. They put a goose egg
■ pression. on my head and trussed me up like a
She caught her breath sharply, fowl on a spit.”
then screamed in mortal terror, as “Goose egg, is it? The bump on
the figure came swiftly toward her! me head feels as big as wan av thim
dinnysaur eggs. Sure, I’d give me
CHAPTER 5 month’s pay for wan good poke at
A STRANGE ROOMING HOUSE the lubber that hit me.”
“That makes it unanimous,”
"Dumping about in the rattling, agreed Buell, raising his bound hands
roaring motor truck, Buell’s body to his throbbing head.
soon became a mass of aches and “Wonder what they’re—hullo! ’’
bruises. His head throbbed terrif¬ Rafferty paused to listen. “It’s com¬
ically from the blow he had received pany we seem to be gettin’.”
in the garage and the gag all but The sound of approaching footsteps
strangled him. grew momentarily louder. They
After what seemed an age of re¬ paused near at hand. Then came the
lentless jolting, the vehicle came to a murmur of gruff voices, the jingle of
stop. He was dragged out, swung to keys, and the grating click of a lock.
the shoulders of three men and car¬ Buell was momentarily blinded by a
ried up a short flight of steps. A flood of yellow light as someone
door opened, and then several more as pressed a switch.
they progressed, and he was taken up A man grasped him roughly by the
what was evidently a winding stair¬ arm and jerked him to a sitting pos¬
way, the steps of which creaked ture. He blinked and looked into the
when trod upon. Two more stair¬ leering eyes of the man with the
ways were mounted, then he was car¬ pock-marked face. Standing near by
162 WEIRD TALES

was a second ruffian, holding a tray “Hold him, is it?” replied Raf¬
of food and steaming black coffee. ferty, tightening his gorillalike arms
“Set the chow down beside ’em, until his captive groaned with pain.
Bill,” said the pock-marked one. “Sure I’ll crack ivvery bone in his
“They slipped their gags and blind¬ body if he makes wan move or lets
folds so I guess they kin eat all right out a peep. See if the cowardly
with their mitts tied.” spalpeen has a knife.”
“I’ll dare yez to untie mine, the Buell searched rapidly with his
both of yez,” growled Dan Rafferty. bound hands. Prom one hip-pocket
“Shut yer face before I kick it in he extracted a blackjaek—from the
fer you,” politely responded the one other, a wicked-looking case-knife.
called Bill. Then he promptly used the former on
“It’s a couple av cowardly gutter- the ruffian, the latter on his com¬
rats yez are,” replied Rafferty, un¬ rade’s bonds.
daunted. “I’ll just cut the knots,” he said,
Buell saw the fellow’s face redden “and unwind the rest. We’ll need
with anger. He put the tray on the these ropes.”
floor and advanced threateningly, They worked so swiftly that in five
then drew back a heavy shod foot for minutes they had both men bound
a kick. Buell swung his bound legs and gagged. The pockets of the one
just in time to trip the ruffian, who with the pock-marked face had yield¬
fell, sprawling and cursing, into the ed weapons similar to those of his
tray of food. Then the pock-marked companion, so both detectives were
man struck him a heavy blow in the now armed.
face that sent him back to the floor. “A foine-lookin’ pair of cut¬
A free-for-all scrimmage followed. throats,” said Rafferty. “I’d like to
Rafferty had rolled to the assistance see thim whin they come to, but I
of Buell, only to be set upon by the guess we’d best be lavin ’. ’ ’
cursing, food-smeared bruiser. The Buell opened the door stealthily
pock-marked man rained furious and looked out. He saw a long, dim¬
blows on Buell’s unprotected face ly lighted hallway.
and body. He managed to roll out of “Come on,” he said. “Now’s our
reach for a moment, but the fellow chance. ’ ’
plunged after him with an angry They switched off the room light
roar. The moment’s respite had given and locked the door.
Buell an opportunity to draw back “We’ll search the house,” he con¬
his bound feet, and he now planted tinued. “Doris may be a prisoner
them in the pit of the man’s stomach here. ’ ’
as he bent over. The force of that “Lead on, me bye,” replied Raf¬
kick sent him clear to the opposite ferty with enthusiasm. “Another ili-
wall, where he fell, doubled up like gant little scrap like that will take the
a jackknife, the wind completely rust out av me joints.”
knocked from his body.
Turning, Buell saw Rafferty sud¬ \ search of the entire floor they
denly slide his bound wrists over the were on proved fruitless. Every
head and shoulders of his assailant, room was not only deserted, but bare
pinning his arms to his sides in such of furniture as well. All windows
a manner as to make it impossible were boarded up with heavy plank¬
for him to strike an effective blow. ing, spiked to the frames. They
‘ ‘ Atta boy, Dan! ” he cried. ‘ ‘ Hold found a broad, banistered stairway
him.” Then he rose and hopped to at one end of the hall and a small,
the assistance of his companion. spiral stairway at the other.
 THE BRIDE OF OSIRIS 163

“Must have been a rooming house ferty. The Irishman, bursting with
at one time,” said Buell. “This is curiosity, joined him.
evidently the top floor, as the stair¬ “What the divvil’s goin’ on in
ways end here. Let’s try the next there ? ” he whispered.
one.”
“Poker game. Now is a good time
They noiselessly descended the to search this floor. ”
smaller stairway, stopped at the next
Lights shone through the transoms
landing and opened the door that led
above three other doors. All the rest
to the hallway. The odor of tobacco
were dark. They investigated the
smoke and the sound of voices greeted
lighted rooms first. Two proved to
them. These apparently issued from
be bathrooms. In the third, they saw
an open transom at their left.
a man seated on the edge of a bed
“Wait here,” whispered Buell, taking off his shoes. Four of the
“and I’ll take a peek through the dark rooms proved to be unoccupied
keyhole. ’ ’ bedrooms. A fifth was bolted on the
He tiptoed softly to the door and inside. A sleepy growl came from
looked through the narrow opening. within as Buell turned the knob.
Four men, a hard-looking lot, were “Whadda ya want?”
seated at a table playing poker. There
‘ ‘ Pardon me. Got the wrong door, ”
were glasses all around, and two half-
replied Buell.
emptied whisky bottles. The man
“Why doncha look where you’re
opposite the door, a burly, bottle¬
goin’?” was the polite rejoinder.
nosed ruffian with a tattered cigar
“Wakin’ a guy up at this hour of
gripped between his teeth, tossed a
the night.”
chip, to the center of the table.
Rafferty grinned.
“Open for a dollar,” he said.
“Sure and that was a close call,”
“Stay,” said the next man.
he said. “Yez got away wid it good,
The others threw in their hands.
though.,”
“Only one customer?” The burly Buell tried the last door in a more
one looked disgusted. “This game is gingerly manner. He found an
goin’ flat. Wonder what’s keepin’ empty bedroom.
Pock and Bill.” Again they descended the spiral
“Dey went up to feed dem two stairway. This time they found three
amachoor dicks,” replied the man doors at the bottom. One was out¬
across from him. lined with yellow light. From be¬
“Seems like they’re takin’ a hell yond it came a metallic clatter and an
of a long time to it. By the way, odor suggestive of cookery.
what’s the boss gonna do with them “The galley—I mane the kitchen,”
two?” said Rafferty.
“Croak ’em, I guess, if de chief He bent to look through the key¬
dick don’t come across. Dey framed hole, but there was none. Then he
Verkler dis afternoon. ’Phoned in found it was a swinging door. By
de number of his bus and he got pushing it open a little way he gained
pinched. Sproul wrote McGraw a a view within. He let it carefully
note and offered to trade him, two back into place, then rose.
men for one.” ‘ ‘ Couple av slant-eyed Chinks pol-
“Ain’t Sproul gettin’ awful gen¬ ishin’ pots and pans,” he whispered.
erous ? ’ ’ In the meantime Buell had tried
“Not him. He got his orders from the two other doors. One opened to
de big boss.” a basement stairway—the other to a
Buell rose and beckoned to Raf¬ butler’s pantry.
164 WEIRD TALES

“Might as well explore this floor prize as he saw the half-turned profile
while we’re here,” he said. “Come of the other. It called up a vision of
on.” a cafe—two men seated at a table
Beyond the pantry was a spacious edging the dance floor. One wore a
dining room, elegantly furnished. square-cut beard and smoked long,
From another room still farther on, Oriental cigarettes. The other, mid¬
light filtered through the portieres dle-aged and portly, toyed with a
that spanned the double opening. highball glass, even as he now toyed
with a small golden inkwell. Buell
As they neared the portieres a bell
saw the connection now. Sproul was
tinkled in the room beyond. It rang
the agent of the black-bearded man
again, long and insistently. Looking
and this other, the man called Melvin,
between the portieres, Buell saw a
was a minion of Sproul.
large living room, comfortably and
tastily furnished. It was lighted by
a single, shaded floor lamp. At the CHAPTER 6
far end a servant in livery was open¬
THE FATE OF A RENEGADE
ing the door. He admitted a man
whose beaver hat and fur-collared “ T Tell, Melvin, haff you decided to
topcoat were powdered with snow. * stick mit us?” Sproul pushed
“Is Sproul in?” he asked, as the the inkwell from him and folded his
man relieved him of topcoat and hat. pudgy fingers.
“Yes, sir. Mr. Sproul is expect¬
“Stick, hell! I told you what I’d
ing you, I believe, sir.” do last night. I’m through. I agreed
The servant strode pompously to a to help you pull this job—you and
curtained doorway at the right. As Pock. Pulled it slick, didn’t we?
he drew back the hangings a shaft of Gimme my jack and we’ll part
light flashed into the living room. friends. You don’t need to come this
“Mr. Melvin to see you, sir,” he ‘Stick with the gang’ stuff on me.
announced. I’m no squealer. You know that.”
“Yell, show him in,” came a
“It ain’t that you’re a squealer.”
querulous, high-pitched voice from
Sproul plucked at his watch-chain
the other side.
and drew a small emblem from his
The visitor entered.. As the light
vest pocket—an emblem similar to
struck full on his face, Buell recog¬
that which Buell had torn from the
nized the man who had blackjacked
man with the pock-marked face. The
him in the limousine on the night of
burnished disk glittered in the light
Doris’ abduction.
as he held it aloft. “Ven you got
“Runnels.” It was the querulous
vun of dese you swore a certain oath.
voice again.
Are you going to keep it?”
“Yes, sir.”
“Go into the entryway and close “Certainly I’m going to keep it.
the inner door. I vant to speak I’ve done my part. All I want is a
privately mit dis gentleman. ’ ’ square deal. You know the penalty
“Yes, sir. Very good, sir.” for kidnaping. Even if I wanted to
squawk do you think I’d be damned
Buell waited until the servant had
shut himself in the vestibule. fool enough to put my own head in
“Let’s go,” he whispered. the noose?”
They tiptoed stealthily to the cur¬ Sproul leaned back heavily, replac¬
tained doorway and peered within. ing the charm in his pocket.
Two men sat facing each other across “That ain’t the point, Melvin. Mit
a massive walnut table. One was the us the law of nature holds. All life
visitor. Buell gave a start of sur¬ is progi'ess. You can’t stand still—
 THE BRIDE OF OSIRIS 165

you can’t go baek. To do so is “Melvin,” he said. “7 don’t

death.” threaten you. A power greater than
Melvin half rose in his chair, his either of us—greater than I can tell
lips drawn back from flashing teeth. you, threatens. As the humble
“You dare to threaten me?” he mouthpiece of that power I giff you
snarled. He did not see what Buell this last chance. Are you mit us ? ”
and Rafferty saw—a pudgy thumb Melvin leaned forward, tensely
pushing a button on the table leg. alert.
“Do you mean to say you’ve got the “Sproul,” he replied, “7 recog¬
brass to sit there and threaten Spud nize no power on earth except the
Melvin, champion gunman of the power of Spud Melvin to fight his
toughest ward in Chicago?” way through. I’m giving you this
Sproul raised a deprecatory hand. last chance to play square with me.
“Now, now! Yait a minute. Sit Either come through with my dough
down. Did I say I vos threatening
you?”
Melvin sat down. As he did so,
Buell noticed two sections of a built-
in bookcase at his back, opening up
like doors—slowly, soundlessly. With¬
in the dark opening a grinning,
ebony face appeared. Then a giant
negro, naked save for turban and
loincloth, stepped silently out. In
his hand was a huge simitar. Like a
great black leopard stalking its prey,
he crept up behind the unsuspecting
man and stood with weapon upraised.
Sproul, cool as a cucumber, picked
up a pen from the table and balanced
it on his middle finger. Not by the
slightest flicker of an eyelash did he
betray his knowledge of the negro’s
presence.

“The heavy simitar flashed downward.”

166 WEIRD TALES

or beat me to the draw. You always “Look eferywhere. Look in the

carry a gun and you know my speed. basement—on the roof. They couldn’t
What’ll you have?” pass the guards. Mein Gott! It will
Sproul twirled the pen between mean our heads if they are gone! Go!
thumb and forefinger with an air of Hurry! Don’t stand there like a ver-
unconcern. dammte esel! Achl I must tell the
‘ ‘ I haff said my say. I’m through. ’ ’ High One.”
“Then so am I,” rasped Melvin. Again the fellow hurried past the
“See, here’s my hand above the table. davenport. They heard a door slam
I’m giving you a chance.” in the rear, and the muffled clatter of
Sproul dropped the pen. The shoes on the stairs.
heavy simitar flashed downward, Buell poked his head above the
shearing Melvin’s skull to the bridge davenport, then lowered it hurriedly.
of the nose. He slumped forward The butler was coming toward the
without a sound. library.
“Take him out, Barsar,” cried “Did you call me, sir?” he asked.
Sproul. His voice was again high-
“Call you? No. Go back to the
pitched and querulous. “Don’t pull
vestibule, lock the doors on both sides
the blade out until you get him off
of you and have your veapons ready.
the rug. I don’t vant blood all over
The detectifs are loose.”
it.”
“Yes, sir. Right away, sir.”
In a moment the negro had disap¬
peared in the opening with the body As soon as the butler closed the
of Melvin. The bookcases slid back door, Buell and Rafferty emerged
in place as slowly and noiselessly as from hiding and approached the
before. library. Looking between the cur¬
Sproul coolly selected a cigar from tains, Buell saw the two bookcase sec¬
a lacquered humidor on the table, tions slowly swinging into place.
lighted it, and puffed reflectively. Sproul was not in sight.
Suddenly he cocked his head to one “ He’s gone, ’ ’ cried Buell, ‘ ‘ through
side in a listening attitude. At the that hole in the wall. Come on.”
same moment Buell and Rafferty They dashed into the library just
heard the clatter of heavy shoes. as the sections settled into position.
Someone was running toward them Buell pressed the button on the table
from the back of the house. leg and they swung slowly forward
“Quick,” said Rafferty. “Duck once more. An inspection of the dark
behind this sofy.” opening revealed a small landing and
A large, overstuffed davenport a narrow stairway, descending steep¬
slanted across the comer of the room ly in front of them.
nearest them. They barely had time They stepp edl within. Voices came
to leap behind its broad back when a from the direction of the dining
man dashed past and entered the room.
library. “How’re we gonna shut this
“The dicks is gone!” he gasped. thing?” inquired Rafferty. “Them
“Tied up Pock and Bill and locked roughnecks are cornin’ from up¬
’em in the room.” stairs. ’ ’
Buell recognized the voice of the Buell, looking around hastily, noted
bottle-nosed man. a small button on the ceiling, similar
“Himmel! They must be in the to that on the table leg. He pressed
house yet. Haff you searched?” it, saw that the doors were closing,
“The boys are lookin’ around and led the way down the narrow
now.” stairs.
 THE BRIDE OF OSIRIS 167

CHAPTER 7 idation. Rafferty, close behind,

seemed actually to be enjoying him¬
WALLS WITH EARS—AND
self. He looked back as the wall
VOICES
dropped into place once more.
'“pHE two detectives, expecting to “Begorry, this is gettin’- inter¬
arrive in the basement with a estin’,” he said. “Sure I’ve often
comparatively few steps, were sur¬ heard that walls had ears, but I
prized to find that the stairway led on niwer even dreamt that they had
and on as if headed for the very cen¬ voices.”
ter of the earth. Some distance farther on they
“Mebby this is the way them two reached another blank wall. They
Chink cooks came up,” said Rafferty. were interrogated in the same man¬
“A couple av miles more and we’ll ner, gave the same answer, and were
be in their counthry.” allowed to proceed as before.
“Can the comedy,” advised Buell, They had passed a third, a fourth
who was a few steps in the lead. “I and finally a fifth wall when Rafferty
see a light ahead of us. ” began to show signs of misgiving.
A hundred feet more and they were “Mark me words there’s somethin’
under the light, standing on a small, spoiled in Copenhagen,” he said.
square landing. Facing them on “It’s beginning to look that way,”
three sides were stone walls. The replied Buell.
floor and ceiling were of solid con¬ “Sure, it’s all too aisy to be true.
crete. Their way was blocked in I’m beginning to think this place is
every direction except that from a damned sight aisier to get into than
which they had come. out of!”
Rafferty, always inquisitive, tapped They reached a sixth wall pres¬
on the wall with his knuckles. ently, and were interrogated as at the
“Now what the-?” previous ones.
He was interrupted by a voice, the “What seek ye here?”
deep, sepulchral tones of which sent A peculiarity that Buell had
cold chills racing up and down his noticed was that the voice at each
spine and rendered him momentarily wall not only repeated the same
speechless. It echoed through the words as at the first one, but spoke
small enclosure without seeming to in exactly the same tones, as if one
come from any particular part of it. man were conducting all the ques¬
“What seek ye here?” tioning.
Buell was rendered as tongue-tied “We bear a message to the High
as his garrulous companion for a mo¬ One,” replied Buell, waiting for the
ment. Then a happy thought struck wall to rise. He heard the whir of
him. hidden motors, but the wall remained
“We have a message for the High where it was. What could be hap¬
One,” he said. pening? he wondered. He turned
There was a sound like the whir of and saw that another wall had
a powerful motor, and the wall in been lowered close behind them. They
front of them slid swiftly upward, were hemmed in a narrow boxlike
revealing a dimly-lighted passage¬ space.
way beyond, but no sign of a human Both men looked around appre¬
being. hensively. There was no sign of a
“Proceed,” said the mysterious person or even an opening in any
voice. direction.
Buell went ahead with inward mis¬ The stillness was suddenly shat¬
givings but no outward sign of trep¬ tered by a horrible shriek of demoniac
168 WEIRD TALES

laughter, which echoed and re-echoed The next instant Dan Rafferty as¬
from the walls of their prison. sumed gigantic proportions and Buell
“Laugh, you blisterin’ hyena,” felt as small as an insect. The room
shouted Rafferty. “Remimber he began whirling, slowly at first, but
who laughs last gets the most fun gradually gaining momentum until
out av it.” an appalling speed had been attained.
A horrid cackle answered him. He kept to his feet with difficulty
that increased as the whirling grew
At the same moment Buell became swifter. At length, reaching the
conscious of a peculiar acrid odor
limit of his endurance, he fell to the
permeating the enclosure and grow¬
floor. A shower of multicolored
ing stronger every minute. With the
sparks dropped around him. Then
coming of this odor it seemed that
all went black. . . .
the room was beginning to rock
gently to and fro as if it were swing¬
ing on the end of a long rope. Noting
W hen Doris Lee cried out in ter¬
ror, the muffled figure ap¬
that the light was growing dim, he
proaching her couch stopped. Then
looked upward toward the small in¬
a voice issued from the cloak.
candescent globe. A cloud of thick
yellow vapor had partly obscured it. “Come, Thansor, attend the girl.
“Fire!” he shouted. “The room She seems hysterical.”
is on fire! ’ ’ A pudgy female, attired in a stiff
He could not hear the sound of his blue robe trimmed with silver, came
own voice. Instead he saw with hor¬ through the door. She threw back
ror that flaming letters were issuing her cowl as she entered, revealing a
from his mouth, spelling out the shaven head and a round, moonlike
words and disappearing with puffs face, the fat, puffy cheeks of which
of yellow smoke. almost hid her tiny pig eyes.
The room was beginning to rock She approached the couch and
with more and more violence. In at¬ placed a moist, plump hand on Doris’
tempting to steady himself he col¬ brow.
lided with Dan Rafferty, who was “Be not afraid, glorious one,” she
similarly employed. said. “I am Thansor, who piloted
“Steady, me lad.” The flaming you through the gates.”
words issued this time from the The muffled figure spoke once more.
mouth of Dan Rafferty, visible but
“Give her the best of care, Than¬
not audible.
sor. I will go, now, and return when
With a supreme effort, Buell pulled
she is in a calmer mood.”
himself erect Suddenly he felt him¬
self growing very rapidly. He was Thansor made deep obeisance as
as tall as the Woolworth Building. the figure departed. When the door
Far below him Rafferty, looking no had closed and the gate clanged shut
bigger than an ant, was holding out behind it, she turned once more to
both hands and endeavoring to bal¬ Doris.
ance himself as if walking a tight¬ “It was a mistake for you to re¬
rope. He felt himself growing small¬ ceive our mighty lord in this fash¬
er once more. Down, down he shot, ion,” she said. “You had naught to
with a swiftness that was appalling. fear, for he merely wished to make
The wind whistled past his ears and sure you were the right girl.”
a sinking feeling similar to that ex¬ Still trembling from the shock of
perienced by some people in rapidly her terrifying experience, Doris
descending elevators attacked the pit looked up into the little piglike eyes.
of his stomach. “The right girl for what?”
 THE BRIDE OF OSIRIS 169

“There, there. We shall not talk fettered, Dan Rafferty was lying
of it tonight. You have been chosen, near by, snoring lustily.
among all the beautiful women of the The room was of stone—floor, walls
earth, for the greatest honor that can and ceiling. A grated steel door ad¬
come to any woman. Tomorrow you mitted light from what was evidently
shall know. Tomorrow, when you a corridor without.
have rested and grown stronger, I A heavy, measured tread sounded
shall instruct and prepare you. Let in the corridor. Presently a man
me help you to bed now. ’ ’ passed the door. Buell gasped in
The appearance of the bed to which amazement when he saw that the man
the woman led her was not exactly was not only a giant, nearly seven
conducive to peaceful slumber., It feet in height, but that he wore the
was supported by two lean, fierce- uniform of a soldier of ancient
looking hunting leopards, carved Egypt. In his right hand he carried
from hard wood and lacquered orange a long, heavy spear., A sharply
and black. curved simitar dangled from the left
When, however, she had donned side of his belt.
her sleeping garment and crept be¬ Dan Rafferty, awakened by the
neath the covers, she found it more clatter, sat up and clasped his head
downy and comfortable than she ever in his hands.
imagined a bed could be. “Oh, what a headache!” he
For a long time—it seemed several groaned. “They’ve chained us up
hours—she lay there tossing restless¬ like a couple av dogs, too, the blither¬
ly, the pudgy, blue-robed figure at in’ swabs.”
her bedside, but outraged nature “What do you suppose they doped
finally asserted itself and sleep us with ? ’ ’ asked Buell. ‘ ‘ It was like
claimed her. a mixture of white lightning, quinine
and T. N. T. ”
CHAPTER 8 “Acts like some dope I wance got
in a joint in Port Said,” replied
THE HALL OF THE TWO Rafferty. “It was me buddy, Tim
TRUTHS Rourke, got me to go into the place.
The effect was the same, only we
npHE first thing that smote Alan ate the stuff instid of inhalin’ it.
Buell’s returning consciousness ‘Hashish’ is what them Naygurs
was a feeling of nausea and an in¬ called it.”
tense thirst. He craved cold, clear “It gives you a queer bunch of
water—buckets of it, barrels of it, hallucinations.”
whole rivers and lakes of it. His “An’ a hell av a mornin’ after.
tongue was swollen and furry, his Sure, I feel as if a herd av wild el¬
lips were parched and hot, and he ephants had been playin’ follie-the-
discovered, as he sat up to look about leader on me frame.”
him, that every muscle in his body Fully an hour elapsed before any¬
was the seat of a separate, distinct, one entered their cell., Then a negro,
and intensely painful ache. Another clad in a turban, loin-cloth and
discovery was even more of a shock. sandals, brought them food on a tray.
On leaning forward to arise he was He was admitted by the giant guard,
brought up with a jerk by a stout who stood with spear held in readi¬
chain attached to a heavy metal collar ness for a thrust while the food was
that circled his neck. The other end placed on the floor. It consisted of
was fastened to a ring in the rough some round, hard biscuits, dried
stone wall behind him. Similarly dates, and a cup of water apiece.
170 WEIRD TALES

Buell’s stomach rebelled at the whispered conversation with someone

sight of food, but he drank the water on the other side, then holding one
eagerly. Rafferty, whose gastronomic hand aloft, he announced:
ability seemed unimpaired, munched “It is the command of the mighty
his biscuits and dates and sipped his Osiris, Son of the Setting Sun and
water sparingly. Lord of the Nether World, that these
“A foine layout of chow they hand wandering souls be brought before
you in this callyboose,” he remarked. him in the Hall of the Two Truths,
‘ ‘ It wouldn’t kape a guinea-pig where his righteous judgment will be
alive, much less a human.” passed on them.”
“Take mine, too, if you want it,” He swung the door wide, all lights
said Buell'. “I can’t even bear to were extinguished, and the prisoners
look at it.” were led forward in utter darkness.
“It’s lucky I am with a seaman’s Buell, the last in line, heard the door
stomach,” replied Rafferty, “that is, close after him. A moment later his
providin’ I can manage to get it guards brought him to a halt and he
dacently filled now and then. ’ ’ heard the butts of their spears as
He consumed the second plate of they grounded them on the stone
food and, apparently much refreshed, floor.
amused himself by trying his strength Straining his eyes in the inky
on the staple to which his chain was blackness, Buell at length beheld a
fastened, at odd moments when the tiny phosphorescent pinpoint of light
tall guard was out of hearing. a considerable distance ahead of him.
Buell, more sick than ever from It was round at first, but as it grew
having drunk the water, tried to get he noted that it spread more rapidly
some sleep. He was just falling into from side to side than from top to
a doze when the lock clicked and the bottom, until it took on the shape and
cell door was flung wide. Four men, semblance of a flashing human eye a
each over seven feet tall, and dressed foot and a half in width. Beneath
and armed like their guard, entered. the eye another point of light glowed
They were followed by another, and grew momentarily larger. Grad¬
armed only with a simitar, who ually, eerily, a white-clad human
seemed to be in command. He ordered form was revealed, seated on a mas¬
both detectives handcuffed—then took sive, jewel-encrusted throne. On the
a bunch of keys from his girdle and head was a dazzling white crown
unlocked the metal collars that held adorned with plumes and horns and
them. Each man was then led away fronted with a burnished golden disk.
between two guards. In the hands, held crossed against the
breast, were a shepherd’s crook and
'T'hey were hustled through a maze a three-lashed whip. What attracted
* of arched, dimly lit corridors, his attention the most, however, was
and halted at length in what ap¬ the face—impassive, yet conveying
peared to be a rather large anteroom. the impression of concealed craft and
Three other prisoners, guarded and cruelty. The eyebrows were heavy,
handcuffed like themselves, were overshadowing the glittering black
lined up before a closed door. Two eyes, and met in a straight line above
were dressed in ancient Egyptian the aquiline nose. Jaws and lips were
costumes. The third wore the cloth¬ clean-shaven except at the point of
ing of modern civilization. the chin, from which a long, narrow,
After a wait of perhaps fifteen tightly waxed beard curved down¬
minutes two raps sounded at the door. ward and outward like the inverted
A guard, opening it a little way, held blade of a sickle.
 THE BRIDE OF OSIRIS 171

Something about the face—the ex¬ “They put a hood over my head
pression—seemed strangely familiar. and I objected,” he replied. “Then
Buell racked his brain in an effort to they beat me and put manacles on
recall where he had seen it before. my hands. Was it for treatment
Then his attention was attracted by a such as this that I paid you a hun¬
new demonstration. A beam of bright dred thousand dollars? Is this the
light shot suddenly from the pupil of fate of those who give up their all
the huge eye, making a brilliant white to follow the teachings of Mezzar
circle on the floor before the throne. Hashin?”
Into the circle stepped a weird figure The figure on the throne scowled
with a hideous jackal mask, and darkly down at him.
bowed low before the white-crowned
“For you, Mezzar Hashin has
ruler, who asked: ceased to exist, ’ ’ he said. * ‘ His temple
“What would you, Anubis?” is in the upper world. You are now
“The prisoners are ready to be in the realm of Osiris, Lord of Karne¬
judged, mighty Osiris.” ter. Had you been tractable when
“Then bring them forward, one at conducted hither you would have
a time. ’ ’ been given the post of high authority
promised you. As it is, you must be
The jackal-masked Anubis ad¬
punished. ’ ’
vanced on the prisoners, followed by
the circle of light. Roughly seizing He turned to the ibis-masked fig¬
the first man—the one who was ure.
dressed in the raiment of modern “Thoth, you will record for Am¬
civilization—he dragged him before mut a year at the hand-pumps. At
the throne and forced him to his the end of that period he wifi again
knees. be brought before us. We have spo¬
The circle of light widened and two ken. ’ ’
more masked figures stepped for¬ With the short crook in his right
ward. The head of one was covered hand he struck a gong beside the
by a hood, fronted with the head and throne. Then, from out the darkness
neck of an ibis. The other wore a at the right, came the sound of deep-
hawk-mask before his face and a throated roars, screeches and growls.
similar hood over head and neck. The Two crouching figures, hideously
man with the hawk-mask stepped masked and costumed, bounded into
up beside the prisoner. the circle of light. Their heads were
“Mighty Osiris,” he said, “I pre¬ covered with grinning crocodile
sent Ammut, who was called Samuel masks. Necks and shoulders were en¬
Whitford the banker in the upper cased in shaggy lion’s manes, and
world. I charge him with having at¬ arms and body down to the waist in
tacked his conductors with the intent the skins of the same beast., Below
to do them bodily injury while they the waist appeared the rounded
were guiding him, at his own behest, rumps, stubby tails, and clubbed feet
-into the blessed realm of Karneter.” of hippopotami. Roaring lustily,
The ibis-masked figure, holding a they seized the hapless prisoner and
strip of papyrus before him, wrote hurried him away into the darkness
rapidly thereon as if making a record at the left.
of the name and charges. The next prisoner was brought be¬
“Have you aught to say for your¬ fore the throne in the same manner
self, Ammut?” The man on the by Anubis.
throne transfixed the cowering pris¬ “Whom have we here, Horus?”
oner with a stern glance. The hawk-masked Horus replied:
172 WEIRD TALES

‘ ‘ Punjad, whom I accuse of stealing He struck the gong and two of the
a bottle of wine from the cellars of hideously masked creatures again
the temple.” bounded into the eircle of light.
“What have you to say for your¬ “My faithful Am-mits, you will
self, knave?” thundered the Lord of take this vile wretch to Sebek, who
Kameter. will convey him to that inner Karne-
The miserable man prostrated him¬ ter whence no man retumeth.”
self before the throne, admitted his The circle of light moved backward
guilt, and begged for mercy. from the throne, following the steps
“Give him forty lashes!” of the prisoner and his two weird
conductors. Though he evidently
This time three of the grotesque
knew what was coming, he did not
roaring figures bounded into tihe
flinch or falter, but walked forward
light. Two of them removed the pris¬
with head erect and lips set grimly.
oner’s upper garment and hurled
Presently the light flashed back
him to the floor. The third, who car¬
from tall brass bars surrounding a
ried a heavy whip with three lashes, circular pool of water about twenty-
cut viciously into the bared back of five feet in diameter. As the three
the writhing, shrieldng victim again men paused before a barred gate,
and again, while Thoth counted and Buell noticed the phosphorescent
recorded the strokes. The shrieks gleam of a pair of eyes and the glint
died down to low moans before the of a wet snout in the water. One of
thirtieth stroke, and ceased before the the conductors opened the gate, the
thirty-fifth as the man swooned, but other pushed the prisoner within, and
the whip cut mercilessly on at the it was shut with a clang. There fol¬
mangled, bleeding back until the lowed a sudden rush through the
sentence was completed. Then the rippling water. Then the yawning,
limp body was dragged out into the tooth-filled jaws of Sebek, the sacred
darkness at the left. crocodile, opened and snapped at
Anubis conducted the third pris¬ their victim. He leaped back and
oner before the throne. ran around the edge of the pool, only
Again Horus stepped into the to be felled by a blow from the
circle of light. powerful tail.
“Mighty Osiris,” he said. “I pre¬ A moment later a few bloody bub¬
sent Jethlo, guard of the most holy bles marked the spot where he had
Temple of Re. I charge him with been dragged beneath the water.
profaning the sanctuary by improper Again the circle of light swung
advances to the vestal virgin, Delra.” back before the throne and rested on
the solitary figure of the jackal-head¬
The Lord of Kameter glared down
ed Anubis.
at the prisoner.
“How many prisoners remain?”
“Do you deny this, wretch?” he asked the Lord of Karneter.
roared. “There are but two, mighty Osiris.
The accused man did not grovel Those who were detectives in the up¬
like the one who had gone before him. per world.”
“I did but present her with a bau¬ “They came together seeking ad¬
ble—a locket which she greatly ad¬ mittance to Kameter. Bring both
mired,” he replied. that we may judge them together.”
“So! You have betrayed a trust Buell, manacled and helpless in the
and profaned the sanctuary of our grip of his giant guards, had a feel¬
Father by casting covetous eyes on a ing of impending doom as the repul-
holy virgin.” (Continued on page 285)
 SABTO FI bv.OEOKGE
maLCOLM-
o>Mirn

“In a moment Weber was astride

viol, riding slowly down the river.”

A SNOWSTORM in New Eng¬

land is a snowstorm. This
utes, when there came to his ears a
rumbling sound which seemed to
L truth was brought home con¬ emanate from within the building. It
vincingly to Hagedorn as he trudged was in Hagedorn’s nature to be curi¬
up Huntington Avenue in Boston one ous. He put his ear close to one of
midnight. Then, to make matters the glass doors and tried the door¬
worse, just as he reached Massachu¬ knobs. He was surprized to find one
setts Avenue, the skies ripped open of the doors unlocked.
and spilled a torrent of hailstones. Midnight, and a door unlocked!
Tiny white frozen balls pelted him, Could this be the usual condition?
landing on his hat as loudly as rain¬ Automatically, Hagedorn opened the
drops on a tin roof. door and stepped into the foyer. No
Through the beaded curtain of sooner had the warmth of the in¬
hailstones Hagedorn discerned be¬ terior struck his face than the rum¬
fore him the dim outline of Sym¬ bling sound became quite loud.
phony Hall and stumbled clumsily He stood rigid. The sound he
toward it for refuge. The high steps heard was a' musical* chord of deep
of the main entrance would be too bass. It sounded much like an or¬
slippery, he decided, so he bolted for gan, though certainly (Hagedorn
the Massachusetts Avenue doors. told himself) no organ recital would
He stood there roundly cursing be going on at this time of night.
the elements for fully fifteen min¬ Propelled by his curiosity, he stepped
174 WEIRD TALES

softly toward the inner doors. There the foyer. He was in the street in
was just enough light from the street an instant, and the cold air refreshed
for him to see his way. him as a thing natural and real. The
When he reached the doors to the hailstorm was over, and a light snow
orchestra floor, he noted through one was falling.
of their little round windows that Hagedorn was not of a mind to go
there were no lights in the audi¬ home until he had learned more. He
torium. This perplexed him. This, watched from across the street, in¬
and the ever-increasing volume of the tent upon the unlocked door. Who¬
bass music. ever was inside, he told himself,
He stood peering into the black would come out there.
circle framed by the little round A huge, overtowering form emerged
window, thoroughly mystified. If from the door. Hagedorn squinted
someone were playing, where was to see it better. It was a man with a
he ? The music was coming from the giant bass viol slung over his back.
auditorium; of that he was certain. With an awkward, jerky motion, the
And why this playing without lights f figure hobbled away and was hidden
And at this unearthly hour? by the screen of snowflakes that
Suddenly the bass chords ceased, stretched across Massachusetts Ave¬
and as they did so, Hagedorn heard nue.
several plucking sounds — quick, Hagedorn did not follow the mu¬
staccato notes—which convinced him sician. He stood still for several
he had not been listening to an or¬ minutes, then turned toward Hunt¬
gan, but to some stringed instrument. ington Avenue. He pondered over
A bass viol, he decided—a very large his strange experience all the way to
bass viol. his lodging house and far into the
Soon the unseen musician resumed night. The adventure was unusual,
his concert. Reverberating bass mysterious, terrifying, and yet lu¬
notes again came to Hagedorn’s ears. dicrous. It tortured him in his sleep
The solo this time seemed to contain and was on his mind when he awoke.
no rests. The tones droned on and
on unceasingly. Hagedorn marked
this and thought it unusual. The
I n the evening, impelled by his in¬
tense curiosity and his desire to
notes ranged from the lowest rum¬ solve the riddle, he went to the con¬
bling bass to the mellowest cellolike cert at Symphony Hall. He arrived
tone. Their echoes became so loud early. In faet, he was almost the first
and thick that the playing soon person to enter the auditorium.
ceased to be music. It became a' People had told Hagedorn that
roaring jumble, ever increasing in their first visit to Symphony Hall
volume. had frightened them. They said they
Hagedorn’s mystification had been had experienced a feeling of being
overcome by an uncomfortable feel¬ overwhelmed by something vast and
ing akin to fright. There was some¬ terrifying. The bigness ofi the place
thing eery about this experience scared them. The notion had hith¬
which caused chills to run down his erto appeared ridiculous to him, but
back and made his heart beat faster. as he sat in the hall this night he
Then the bass roar ceased again. became more and more convinced
Hagedorn shuddered with relief. The that there was no little basis for his
mystery of this midnight concert and friends’ convictions.
the ominous sound of the bass viol Symphony Hall was a big place,
made him believe that danger was and it had now assumed an aspect
imminent. He started blindly for sinister and unworldly. Perhaps the
 SATAN’S FIDDLE 175

ponderous Victorian architecture was wondered if any one of them sensed

the cause of it, Hagedom reasoned the evil that lurked near them.
with himself. Everything was too Sauntering in by twos and threes,
heavy and ornate. the musicians took their.positions,
The massive walls seemed to be some of them amid a clatter of hand¬
leaning inward, as though they were clapping. Incongruous little sounds
about to close upon him and crush were coming from them, as they
him. The blur of sickly colors, most tuned their instruments. Hagedom’s
of them bluish and fustian, depressed eyes were now focused on the plat¬
him. A huge girandole, suspended form., With bated breath he noted
at an awesome height above his head, the entrance of every player. Any
showering a hundred balls of light one of them might be the mysterious
like a bomb at the moment of ex¬ musician who gave the weird solo of
plosion, seemed on the verge of rip¬ the previous night. His nerves taut
ping from its fastenings to come hurt¬ with excitement, he watched the nine
ling down on his head. bass viol players take their places
As the auditorium filled, a sweep on the top tier above the others.
of pink and white faces jammed the Which one had slipped out of the un¬
orchestra floor like thousands of mar¬ locked door and into the storm last
bles in a box too small for them. night? Hagedom watched every
Jutting perilously over this mass of move of each viol player, but there
heads were two crescent-shaped bal¬ was nothing to indicate which was
conies, each crammed with still more the man he sought.
faces. At length all the musicians were
All these people! Hagedom gasped. in their places in three semicircular
They could not know what he knew, tiers. The cautious, discreet pluck¬
sitting here calmly like this. They ing of strings and tooting of horns
could not know what ominous thing had subsided. Men and instruments
hovered over this scene. were in readiness—and a jumbled
Hagedom decided not to look spectacle they made, faces, instru¬
about too much, lest the terrifying ments and shirt-fronts fused together
thought of what might happen in a hodgepodge under the glaring
should the walls and ceilings tumble white lights. The colorful sight gave
down send him screaming panic- Hagedorn relief from his strained
stricken up the aisle and out of the .feelings.
building. He was absolutely con¬ With the last sounds of instru¬
vinced that he had heard in those ments being tuned, the roar of voices
bass chords of the night before an in the audience subsided. There came
omen of disaster. over the auditorium a hush of ex¬
On this night every seat in Sym¬ pectation.
phony Hall was occupied, because Suddenly a new figure appeared in
Hermann Schurtz, the new conduc¬ the door at the side of the stage.
tor, just arrived from Berlin to take Hermann. Schurtz, the new conduc¬
Liebeskind’s position, was to lead the tor! A din of applause swept
orchestra for the first time. through the hall.
Even before the first musician had Schurtz was slight in physique, and
taken his place on the stage, the impeccably tailored. He had a dainty,
drone of hundreds of voices had be¬ almost feminine bearing, carrying
come a roar. Hagedom imagined his elbows inward behind his back
that every music-lover in Boston, as though they were tied there, and
even in the United States, had found letting his hands dangle limply at his
his way into the auditorium, and he sides. He reminded Hagedom of the
176 WEIRD TALES

statue of Nathan Hale in City Hall sensed danger. He saw that those
Park, New York. Schurtz looked a about him shared his nervousness. A
dainty and effeminate Nathan Hale stir passed through the audience.
saying, “I only regret that I have The musicians, too, seemed perplexed
but one life to give for my art. ’ ’ He by the conductor’s movements. Some
bowed perfunctorily and with no of their faces manifested alarm. Per¬
further ado turned toward the or¬ haps, Hagedorn tried to convince
chestra. himself, the titanic emotions of the
Pacing the blur of faces, shirt- music were overpowering the sensi¬
fronts, music racks and instruments, tive conductor. At last the piece
he preened himself by shrugging his came to an end—an end solemn and
shoulders and stretching his arms.- dirgelike with a melancholy prepon¬
He waited one long dramatic mo¬ derance of bass.
ment, then gave his music rack a tap As the last rumbling bass notes
with his baton. He raised it and, like died away, Schurtz swayed awk¬
a magician waving his wand, his wardly from his pedestal. He
arms writhing in and out, he sum¬ wheeled to face the audience. Hage¬
moned wondrous harmonies out of dorn gasped and leaped half-way to
the confused throng of creatures be¬ his feet. On the conductor’s coun¬
fore him. Their sounds would rush tenance was a look of open-mouthed
out at him with a menacing roar bewilderment and horror. It was the
when he beckoned, or retreat with a face of a man who had peeked into
docile sigh when he waved them eternity. Schurtz had seen some¬
back. thing, heard something or felt some¬
Hagedorn, his mind momentarily thing which had terrified him. With
occupied by the present proceedings, a horrible grimace he drooped for¬
consulted his program. It was ward to make his bow. He turned,
Strauss’ Ein Heldenleben, that mad, his body still bent, to leave the stage,
chaotic tone-poem which ranges then toppled clumsily over and
through the whole cycle of human sprawled in a ludicrous heap.
emotions. The stage was alive with
pictorial rhythm. Heads nodded, The orchestra surged to its feet.
bodies swerved, bows guided by flex¬ A roar of dismay echoed through
ible wrists darted across strings—all the audience. Several musicians
in perfect unison. Waves of music rushed to the crumpled figure. Then
surged out and flooded the hall, then everything became confused. There
seethed back. were shouts and gestures. In the
Ein Heldenleben had reached the hubbub Schurtz’s limp body was
passage wherein the hero returns to bundled off the stage.
his helpmate after a tumultuous bat¬ Hagedorn found himself fighting
tle with his enemies. At that point, toward the aisle, intent, for a reason
Hagedorn, watching every motion on unknown even to himself, upon
the stage with a strange nervous anx¬ reaching the stage. But the crowd,
iety, became aware of a peculiar be¬ babbling and pushing and waving
havior on the part of the conductor. its arms, thrust him back. Then
Schurtz appeared to be falling off came a hissing sound and the audi¬
his platform. He made jerky ges¬ ence became quiet. Hagedorn saw
tures with his hands as though ward¬ the concert-master shrieking some¬
ing away something invisible which thing to the listening throng. Those
was pushing him off his stand. As near the stage who heard him began
the score neared its conclusion, this pushing toward the rear of the au¬
became more noticeable. Hagedorn ditorium. The next thing he knew,
 SATAN’S FIDDLE 177

Hagedorn was being borne up the It may have been his imagination,
aisle by the wave of people. The con¬ made susceptible to the wildest fan¬
cert had come to an abrupt end. cies by his excitement, which made
The crowd was moving slowly, and Hagedorn’s hair stand on end when
before it had borne Hagedorn to the he viewed the face before him. It
foyer he had recovered his compo¬ was a face ashen-gray, lean and
sure and decided upon a plan of ac¬ cadaverous, with a look of almost
tion. He would wait a short distance satanic hatred. Before Hagedorn
up Massachusetts Avenue until the had recovered himself, however, the
mysterious bass viol player came, huge figure was swallowed up in the
then follow him. There was abso¬ sheet of falling snow.
lutely no doubt in his mind that the In the face he had just seen Hage¬
man who had played those ominous dorn believed he had found such
notes in the dark hail on the pre¬ diabolical villainy that the solution
vious night was the person responsi¬ of all the weird mystery of Sym¬
ble for this night’s occurrence. In phony Hall narrowed down and fo¬
the foyer, the crowd that had pressed cused upon one pair of gleaming
Hagedorn thinned out. eyes and one sneering mouth.
“Hermann Schurtz is dead,” he The chase was on. There was no
heard someone say. hesitancy on Hagedorn’s part. He
He gasped and sped on his way. scampered through the snow. Under
It was snowing outside. A swirl¬ the next street lamp he saw the pon¬
ing avalanche of white flakes made it derous figure forging ahead like an
impossible to see the opposite side ant struggling under a heavy load.
of the street. Cabs creaked up to He quickened his step to make sure
wheel off patrons as they came out he would not lose his quarry. The
of the hall. Hagedorn bolted labyrinth of zigzag streets of Back
straight up Massachusetts Avenue. Bay, he knew, would make it a
At St. Stephens Street he halted. A merry chase.
street lamp cast a faint yellow circle, At every lamp-post he could see
inside which, he thought, he could the ominous bulk of man and bur¬
see everyone who passed. He stepped den. No sooner would it be outside
outside it and stood near by at the the dim light than Hagedorn would
corner of an apartment house. push into it himself. The man with
Pedestrian patrons of the orches¬ the bass viol did not turn around,
tra passed him. After fifteen min¬ but plowed steadily ahead.. Half-way
utes the last of them had ap¬ up Massachusetts Avenue he turned
peared in the light of the lamp and into an alley and cut through to
disappeared. A sudden fear came to Gainsborough Street. Hagedorn was
the watcher that he had missed his close behind him when he reached
man. Perhaps he had left the hall the other end of the alley.
before Hagedorn, or had taken an¬ Then he lost him. His prey had
other route home. disappeared between lamp-posts on
Hagedorn had almost decided to Gainsborough Street. Perhaps he
abandon his watch when a bulky fig¬ had dived into one of the hundreds
ure appeared in the flickering iight. of doorways which lined the side¬
It was a man carrying a bass viol on walk. None of the windows of these
his baek. Hagedorn’s heart leaped. houses was lighted, however, so
He narrowed his eyes to see. Then Hagedorn determined to press on¬
he gave a start, for-the man’s head ward. His pace might have been too
poked itself around the side of his slow. As he trudged on, it seemed
huge burden. the snow mounted higher with every
178 WEIRD TALES

step. It was ankle-deep now, and

making progress difficult.
T he trail turned into Fenway
Park. For several yards there
Looking down at the white ex¬ were running steps, then they dwin¬
panse ahead, Hagedorn’s heart gave dled into a short pace. His fatigue
a joyful start, for there was visible and the plaguing snowflakes had
a trail of footprints, so deep that nearly maddene4 Hagedorn. Several
they must have been made by one times he almost determined to re¬
carrying something heavy. He no¬ nounce the chase, but he plodded on
ticed that the tracks were spreading through Peterborough Street, up St.
farther and farther apart. He bent Botolph, over Boylston to Audubon
diagonal with the sidewalk as he Road—a crazy, zigzag course.
stumbled on. There could be no In a little street off Audubon Road
doubt about it: his incredible quarry the long trail came to an ab¬
was fleeing. Perhaps the man with rupt end. The footprints had
the bass viol realized he was being ceased. Hagedorn looked about
followed. Hagedorn bounded clum¬ him nonplussed. A mantle of falling
sily ahead, his eyes focused on the snow enveloped him. He could see
ever-lengthening footprints. he was standing beside a high board
The trail swerved abruptly down fence—but that was all he could see.
Heminway Street. Hagedorn nearly Had the whole combination, man
fell as he pivoted obliquely around and burden, flown into the skies?
the corner. It occurred to him that Actually entertaining this absurd
his man had taken a roundabout theory for a moment, he laughed to
course to reach the end of Massa¬ catch himself gazing into the snow-
chusetts Avenue, and quite con¬ flecked heavens. It was fortunate he
vinced him that the fellow was aware did so, for in so doing he discovered
of being pursued. He raised his eyes where his man had taken flight. On
from the white ground, then leaped top of the fence was a space where
quickly backward. There, only a the ridge of snow had been brushed
few paces ahead, was the huge bass off. It was a high fence. How had
viol, the legs propelling it making it the rogue made the ascent, laden as
look for all the world like a lumber¬ he was with his heavy instrument?
ing dinosaur out of a geology book. But Hagedorn lost no time in cogita¬
tion. Over the fence he clambered.
Hagedorn’s egregious fugitive was
not running now. He had probably Inside was a small courtyard
flanked by gloomy buildings. The
reckoned that his pursuer was
intruder peered through the grayish
shaken off. He passed two more
curtain of snow. A square of bright
lamp-posts, and as he stepped out of
orange light appeared in one corner
the light of each his follower re¬
of the court. Framed in it was a
placed him. To Hagedorn’s chagrin,
gigantic silhouette, that of a man
however, when the third lamp ap¬
with a bass viol on his back. Hage¬
peared the bulky figure was not vis¬
dorn plunged madly toward it, but
ible. He looked down at the tracks. before he could reach the spot the
The outlandish scamp had started square of orange had narrowed to a
running again! mere crack. This disappeared just
The chase was resumed at top as he reached the door. He stood
speed. The snowflakes began to tor¬ outside for a moment, listening.
ment Hagedorn. They swarmed Then, with a bravery for which he
around him like little white flies, pep¬ was never afterward able to account,
pering his face and getting into his he turned the knob and slipped in¬
eyes. side.
 SATAN’S FIDDLE 179

He found himself standing in a ming. An arm over his face hid

narrow hallway. A hanging lamp everything. Around a corner he
gave a brilliant light, revealing a went. A click came like the shoot¬
steep flight of stairs. Suddenly he ing of a gun. It was the turning
heard a door close on the floor above, of a key, and he felt himself being
and the sound of something heavy carried into a room. The arm over
striking the floor. The bass viol! his face was removed but a hand still
At that moment a feeling of shame held his mouth. In the darkness, he
came over Hagedorn. Now that the could hear his captors breathing
chase ended, his excitement subsided heavily.
and his rational intellect asserted it¬ “Well, we didn’t expect this,’’one
self. Perhaps he had been foolish to of them whispered gruffly.
undertake this mad pursuit. As he “Who the hell is he?” another
thought it over he suspected that
rasped out.
mere curiosity had brought him here.
“Here, one of you put on the light.
He had no real reason for believing
I’ll hold him.”
that last night’s strange occurrence
could be linked with tonight’s The light flashed on. There were
tragedy, nor had he any basis for three men, one of them still holding
condemning this unknown and per¬ Hagedorn’s mouth. They were burly
haps harmless individual, beyond men in hats and overcoats. They
ideas conjured up by an over¬ gazed at him quizzically. Hagedorn
wrought imagination. But now he was coming to his senses, glad to
had come this far, why not go just find he was dealing with tangible
to the top of the stairs to see where flesh-and-blood beings.
this unusual character kept himself? “Tie him and gag him, Maddi-
He grasped the baluster and crept gan,” said the man holding Hage¬
noiselessly upward. There was no dorn.
light on the landing, but he noticed As the man called Maddigan
a faint yellow gleam, apparently from pushed back his coat to get his
beneath a door at the end of the handkerchief, Hagedorn saw a
hallway. He tiptoed toward the light, badge.
wondering if this were the musician’s Detectives! Hagedorn’s relief was
room. He stood there listening, exhilarating. He attempted to pre¬
but there was not a sound inside. vent Maddigan from shoving the
Curiosity again got the better of handkerchief into his mouth. Mad¬
him. He knelt on one knee. Some¬ digan grinned as he would at. a
thing in the keyhole! Stiff with playful kitten. After the captive
excitement and cold, he must have had been gagged and trussed, the
knelt there several minutes. Nothing three detectives stood watching him.
was going on inside the room. They decided to go through his pock¬
Then something happened—and ets. They found nothing but a
happened quickly! wallet, a watch and his symphony
A viselike arm grasped his waist, program. The last article interested
a damp hand clamped over his them most.
mouth, and he was swept high off “Did you just come from Sym¬
his feet. All this in an instant and phony Hall?” Maddigan asked.
without a sound. He quaked with Hagedorn nodded.
terror. He felt himself being whisked “What brought you here, peeking
away. Strong arms, several of them, into other people’s keyholes?” ho
were bearing him head-first down demanded, as though Hagedorn
the stairs. His senses were swim¬ could answer through the gag.
180 WEIRD TALES

“Here, we’ll get the dope from the police had been brought to the
him,” said one of the other two men case when members of the orchestra
as he drew a revolver frdm his reported that the former leader had
pocket. “Take off that gag.” received threatening anonymous let¬
Brandishing the weapon in Hage- ters. Before an investigation could
dorn’s face, he growled, “One loud be brought to bear, Liebeskind had
word from you and I’ll send a bullet mysteriously disappeared.
through your skull. This is a seri¬ This incident had been considered
ous business.” at first as merely the outcome of a
clash between artistic temperaments.
T he handkerchief was removed Later several other musicians took
from the captive’s mouth. unceremonious leave of the orches¬
Hagedom talked fast and earnestly, tra. Some unknown influence was
careful not to raise his voice above gradually disrupting the entire
an almost inaudible whisper. The organization. It was then that an
detectives considered Hagedom’s interest was taken in one of the bass
reasons for his presence a bit fan¬ players, Friedrich Weber, known by
tastic, but they believed his story. his fellow-musicians as an eccentrie,
Hagedorn opened his wallet and pro¬ though brilliant, character. Weber’s
duced his press card, explaining habits were peculiar, but his long as¬
that he had a special interest in the sociation with the orchestra and the
extraordinary happenings at Sym¬ high esteem in which leaders in
phony Hall. This was entirely an music circles held him had diverted
afterthought, but it carried weight suspicion from him. But now his
with the detectives. eccentricities assumed ominous sig¬
“Now that you’re here,” said nificance. One of his odd practises,
Maddigan, “we might as well let you Hagedorn learned, was to play his
know that the answer to a good bass viol all alone and in the dark
many of the strange goings on at at midnight in Symphony Hall. This
Symphony Hall lies right here in this had long been a habit with him, but
house. We’re going to follow this the police attached some hidden mean¬
thing right through from here, and ing to it. Tonight, unless the tragic
if you want the big break when it incident at the concert had upset
comes — after we get this case Weber, he was expected by the de¬
cleaned up—it will be wise for you tectives to repeat his nocturnal re¬
to keep your mouth shut about what hearsal.
is going on. As we said before, Hence, shortly before midnight,
this is a serious business, and we the lights in the room were extin¬
can’t have any interference.” guished and a long, tense vigil be¬
In the low-pitched conversation gan. Hagedorn sat anxiously await¬
which followed, Hagedom obtained ing the next development in his
many new and astonishing angles strange adventure.
on the Symphony Hall mystery. The At length, above the heavy breath¬
death of Schurtz, it developed, was ing of his companions, he heard a
the culmination of mysterious hap¬ slow, thumping sound as of a heavy
penings which covered a period man descending stairs.
of several months. Liebeskind, “It’s him!” one of the detectives
Schurtz’s predecessor as conductor whispered hoarsely. “He’s going
of the orchestra, was said by the de¬ down to Symphony Hall again to¬
tectives to have left his position and night.”
fled the country as the result of The footfalls descended slowly,
these happenings. The attention of then halted outside the door of the
 SATAN'S FIDDLE 181

room in which the quartet sat wait¬ bass viol player who played meta¬
ing. There was a few moments’ si¬ physical theories from notes dia¬
lence, then came the click of a grammed on graph-paper!
doorlock. Hagedorn followed his He examined the open sheets on
companions to the window overlook¬ the piano rack. Here was a score
ing the courtyard. Over their shoul¬ by Richard Strauss, whose Ein ffel-
ders he saw a gigantic shape, black denleben had been played by the or¬
and sinister as it was silhouetted by chestra tonight. On its margin were
the snow, dissolve like a specter in many notes jotted down in ink.
the curtain of snowflakes. Many of the notes were scratched

M addigan dispatched his fellows

out, and several of them had ex¬
clamation points after them. The
to shadow the musician. When sight of exclamation points written
they had stepped out into the white in beside musical notes amused
night, he and Hagedorn went up¬ Hagedorn for a moment, but then he
stairs to the room occupied by began wondering vaguely if there
Weber. The door opened easily with were not some underlying signifi¬
a skeleton key. cance in them. On top of the piano
It was evident to Hagedorn the were pieces by Wagner, Liszt and
instant he stepped inside that he was Beethoven. Among these Hagedorn
in the quarters of a man of extra¬ was surprized to find one by Her¬
ordinary culture. The walls were mann Schurtz, the conductor who had
flanked by crowded bookshelves. An met so sudden a death. On this, too,
upright piano, with opened scores of there were many marginal notes in¬
music on its rack and stacks of them scribed in ink.
on its top, stood in one eorner. Near Maddigan was examining the lit¬
it were a cello leaning against a chair, tered table in the eenter of the room.
and a music rack. In the center of Suddenly he looked up from a pam¬
the room was a table littered with phlet he held in his hand.
books, pamphlets, music scores and “Look here,” he said. “Here’s
hand-written sheets of foolscap. A a book by Weber.”
bed-coueh stood in front of a wall Hagedorn noted the title: “ Acous¬
covered with books.
tics; Their Importance in Architec¬
Maddigan stalked about the room ture, by Friedrich Weber.” A feel¬
silently. Hagedorn watched him, ing of acute uneasiness seized him
wondering what this burly plebeian
as he saw this and remembered the
could find in this storehouse of cul¬
roaring notes he had heard the night
ture to give him insight into the
before in Symphony Hall. It made
mind of the man he was studying.
him quite sure that there had been
Hagedorn walked over to a book¬
^ome malevolent purpose in them
shelf. He saw volumes in German,
and that this purpose was all the
French and English, a heterogeneous
more fearful because of the player’s
array on philosophy, psychology and
expert knowledge of what he was
abstract mathematics. A strange li¬
brary for a musician, Hagedorn about.
mused. Here were Nietzsche, Scho¬ Maddigan had been looking
penhauer, Haeckel and other philoso¬ through other papers on the desk.
phers jammed into shelves with such He was reading something and
psychologists as Freud, Jung, Wil¬ grunting. Hagedorn looked over
liam James, and such physicists as his shoulder. It was a symphony
Einstein and Herglotz. Indeed, program opened at the page con¬
Hagedorn thought, here must be a taining the names of the orchestra
182 WEIRD TALES

players. On the page were scrib¬ “We’re on the right track, and to¬
bles in ink. morrow this thing will be cleared
“Can you make anything out of up.”
this?” Maddigan asked. Nevertheless, tomorrow did not
Hagedorn took the program. see the matter “cleared up”, for the
coroner’s finding of that night gave
“It’s German script,” he an¬
the cause of Hermann Schurtz’s
nounced.
death as “heart failure, superin¬
. “Can you read it?”
duced by overtaxed emotions.”
Hagedorn examined the writing
As far as Hagedorn was concerned,
closely. Then he gave a start which
however, the matter was quite set¬
made his companion look at him in
tled. What he had seen in Weber’s
alarm.
quarters had convinced him that
“What does it say?” asked Mad¬
digan. there was more to Schurtz’s death
Hagedorn pointed to the name of and all the strange occurrences con¬
Hermann Schurtz, and said, “That nected with it than the coroner had
word there, die Todsaite. ’ ’ believed. He went to Professor
“What does it mean in English?” Haroutune Chooljian, noted Armen¬
‘ ‘ It means—‘ the death-chord ’! ” ian physicist of Harvard, under
“The what?” whom he had studied and whom he
Suddenly there was a sharp rap had kept as a close friend. In the
on the door. Hagedorn’s heart professor he confided his whole ad¬
missed several beats. Maddigan him¬ venture in the hope that he might
self looked far from composed. He shed some light on the relationship
wheeled around and pulled open the between music and physics, both of
door. One of the detectives stood which subjects seemed well known
in the hallway. He was covered to the mysterious Weber. The pro¬
with snow and panting for want of fessor knew the musician and be¬
breath. lieved him a man of remarkable in¬
“Quick!” he whispered. “He’s tellect. He became intensely inter¬
coming back. Get out before he ested in Hagedorn’s adventure, and
catches you.” begged to be notified of every new de¬
Maddigan beckoned to Hagedorn. velopment.
He turned the key in the lock and
the three hurried down the stairs. T he next symphony concert was
They were in their room barely in not for two nights. Hagedorn
time, for the door from the court¬ could not have missed it any more
yard opened and there came the than he could have stopped breath¬
sound of footfalls on the stairs. Sev¬ ing and live. As he entered the
eral minutes later the third detective foyer he caught sight of Maddigan
returned. He and the other explained talking to the policeman in charge
that Weber had gone back to Sym¬ of the hall. So, the police have not
phony Hall, found several people dropped the case, either, Hagedorn
still there and had started for home mused.
again. One of the men had hurried He was as restless in his seat as a
ahead to warn Maddigan of the mu¬ schoolboy attending his first circus.
sician’s approach. At length the man for whom he
The remainder of the night one waited appeared on the stage. Hage¬
man remained in the room. The dorn gasped, for he could not be¬
other two left with Hagedorn. lieve such a transformation pos¬
“That settles it,” were Maddi¬ sible. Truly, here was a Dr. Jekyll
gan’s parting words to Hagedorn. and Mr. Hyde! When Weber ap-
 SATAN’S FIDDLE 183

peared, he was the epitome of ur¬ Hagedorn’s horror he saw in it the

banity and self-composure. Hage- ghastly expression which Schurtz
dorn could not believe this was the had turned to the audience the mo¬
Satanic face which had snarled at ment before his death. The drum¬
him from behind the bass viol two mer swayed and fell across the
nights before. His eyes followed mouth of his drum, his body making
Weber’s every move. a deep thump as it hit the drum¬
Lessing, the concert-master, con¬ head. Hagedorn lurched bolt-up¬
ducted the orchestra that night. The right, his lips framed to utter a
feature of the program was a score shriek.
by Berlioz, a composer whose pen¬ He turned his eyes instinctively to
chant for percussion effects is pro¬ Weber. There stood the bass viol
verbial among musicians. For that player with his bow high above his
reason, during the few moments in head, his gaze fastened on the fallen
which Hagedorn was not watching kettledrummer. For an instant
the movements of Weber, he ob¬ Hagedorn fancied there was a gleam
tained entertainment from observa¬ of triumph on the bass viol player’s
tion of the kettledrummer. countenance. Was it the look of a
This interesting person was worthy man who had accomplished some ar¬
of attention. He stood above his in¬ duous task ? Hagedorn shuddered.
struments, sticks in hand, looking The tumult which followed was
out over the audience with a studied greater even than that of the pre¬
sang-froid, counting the measures vious fatal night. The concert-mas¬
with motionless lips. Suddenly, on ter waved his arms frantically in a
the flash of an instant, a paroxysm vain effort to quiet the audience.
would seize him, causing him to The audience chattered in wildest ex¬
pounce upon his drums, and then, citement. The stage was a scene of
as suddenly as the convulsion had utter confusion. Three or four play¬
overtaken him, it would depart and ers were struggling with the drum¬
he would throw his head back, calm mer’s limp body to drag it down
and unruffled as he had been before. from the percussionists’ perch while
The drummer had passed through all the others were fighting in a panic
several of his spasms during the to get through the narrow door lead¬
course of the score. Then came a ing off the stage.
passage in which all the instruments Hagedorn took no chances of being
were silent except the violins, which caught in the crowd. His first im¬
wavered a plaintive melody. Sud¬ pulse was to dash out of the audi¬
denly the conductor pointed his torium. In the foyer he caught a
baton toward the custodian of the fleeting glimpse of Maddigan rush¬
kettledrums. ing down the inner corridor toward
The drummer’s arm slashed the the stage.
air. His padded mallet shot down¬ Just as he reached the Massachu¬
ward, swift and sure as a piston from setts Avenue doors he heard a yell
its’cylinder. It smote the taut parch¬ behind him.
ment of the drum, giving a deep, “Hagedorn!”*
hollow boom like the sound of a He whirled about to see the dimin¬
heavy stone dropped into a deep utive figure of Professor Chooljian.
pool. His friend’s presence surprized him.
Hagedorn happened at the moment “Why, Professor! What are you
to be watching the drummer. He doing here ? ” he asked.
saw his face bob up quickly, but not “Wait, you shall see,” said the
with its accustomed serenity, for to Armenian in his choppy Oriental ac-
184 WEIRD TALES

cent. “The story yon told me this qualities of music and the unfailing
afternoon interested me. I am sure I natural laws of physics to make one
have the solution of the mystery. I of the most frightful death-weapons
couldn’t believe it to be true at first, ever conceived.”
but what has happened tonight “What does it all mean, Profes¬
makes me certain. I have volun¬ sor?” asked Hagedorn. ‘ ‘ I don’t un¬
teered my services to the police. It derstand. ’ ’
is tragic that another life had to be “It’s not an easy matter to ex¬
lost. But tonight we shall put a stop plain,” the professor said, “but in as
to this affair.” simple terms as I can put it, the solu¬
“Come, come,” blurted out Hage- tion of the mystery is this: Music is
dorn rudely. “While we are talking like fire. When controlled and used
here, the guilty man is making a get¬ in the proper way, it is of inestimable
away. Come quickly. I know where benefit to mankind, but once it eludes
to find him.” control or is put to a malevolent pur¬
“Not yet,” said the professor in¬ pose, it can cause frightful havoc.
sistently. “It isn’t time yet. We “This man Weber has developed
shall stay right here until the crowds the power to use music to further his
have gone away.” own ends. He has gone quite insane,
And that is exactly what they did. there is no doubt of that, but his in¬
The police had accepted Professor sanity has only enhanced his brilliant
Chooljian’s theory, it developed, and powers. He has a supernormal per¬
he was to play a part in the plan to ception of tone colorings. For in¬
capture the culprit tonight and prove stance, he is an expert on acoustics.
him guilty of two' murders. . He has spent years on the study of
“We must wait some time,” said sound waves and their peculiarities.
the professor. “At midnight we No concert hall has been built within
shall join a squad of detectives and the past ten years without his expert
wait for the man to walk into our advice.
trap. He will do it, never fear. He “Added to this keen musical acu¬
is a madman.” men is an intense interest in philo¬
The certainty of the professor’s sophical subjects. He has an under¬
tone convinced Hagedorn. standing of such matters which
“What do you make of it?” he in¬ amounts to clairvoyance.
quired. “When this remarkable intellect
“Come, let us go elsewhere before cracked under the strain of overstudy
the crowd comes out,” the professor and overwork, it naturally became
commanded. “I can explain every¬ obsessed with ideas resulting from his
thing later. We have more than two studies. After more study, he has
hours to wait.” discovered a musical chord which can
crush the soul of any man who hears
T hey waited downtown at the it!
Adams House, and there the pro¬ “He selected Liebeskind, the con¬
fessor gave his solution of the mys¬ ductor, as his victim because of a long¬
tery. standing temperamental feud between
“It’s uncanny,” he began. “I them. It is probable that Weber gave
could not believe it myself at first, but him a toueh of the dose he intended
it must be true. You see, Weber* is a' to administer him. Whether he did
man of brilliant intellect, but a little or not, Liebeskind, who was losing
warped. He is dangerous. He knows prestige in musical circles anyway,
much. He has combined the supei^ had the excellent good sense to dis¬
natural and the natural, the psychic appear.
 SATAN’S FIDDLE 185

“It had been comparatively simple detectives. Few words were ex¬
for Weber to pick the chord which changed. Maddigan led the group to
would end the life of the new con¬ the Massachusetts Avenue entrance.
ductor, and it is likely he did it He tapped on one of the big doors.
merely for the sport. Schurtz was a Before his knock was answered a de¬
cocky and vainglorious personage. To tective came running down the
plumb the personality of the vacuous street.
kettledrummer and strike his death “You’ll have to hurry, Maddi¬
note was even simpler. The victims, gan,” he said breathlessly. “He’s
hearing the fatal chord all the quicker on his way here right now! ’ ’
with their musically sensitive ears, At that moment a man who was
had succumbed easily. evidently the watchman opened the
“But this fiend’s great ambition, I door.
believe from what I have gleaned “Everything ready, Dorgan?”
from the case, is something which con¬ asked Maddigan.
cerns all of us, every man living on “Everything,” the watchman said
this planet. Weber, believe me or not, laconically.
has come very near discovering what “Come,” Maddigan beckoned, and
physicists call ‘the cosmic chord’, the party stumbled into the dark
that is, a chord composed of all the foyer and into the auditorium.
chromatic semitones in the entire “Sit here,” one of the detectives
musical range. And this chord, once commanded Hagedorn, pointing to a
discovered and held long enough, chair. “We’ll be spread through
could bring universal destruction! the house. Whatever happens, don’t
“I say I do not know how near make a noise. If you do, God help
Weber has come to discovering this you!”
chord, but I do know that if any man Hagedorn sat motionless a long
living has the power to accomplish it, time. His nerves were taut. He did
that man is Weber.” not know what to expect. Sud¬
The professor gave grim examples denly—
to illustrate his points. Glass vessels “Just practising, you know,” a
can be shattered to bits by tapping voice boomed throughout the audito¬
their sides and shouting into them; rium. ‘ ‘ It seems to do me much good
soldiers are commanded to break step to play in the dark with nobody here
in crossing bridges lest the vibration but my music and myself. ’ ’
cause them to fall; scientists have It was a mellow and resonant
killed fishes by playing violins in voice. Its pleasant quality was a sur¬
aquariums; the shrillest tones of the prize to Hagedorn, hearing it for the
human voice are capable of extin¬ first time. Undoubtedly it was
guishing flame; the Festungburg Weber.
cathedral tumbled to earth through “Well,” came the voice of the
the famous incident of the organist’s watchman, “I’ll be goin’ my rounds
holding one bass note. These and now. Be sure to close the door after
many other illustrations of the deadly you as usual, and I’ll lock it.”
powers of sound and vibration were He was heard no more.
cited by the professor. Hagedorn Heavy footfalls sounded as the
shuddered. weird musician thumped down the
aisle under the weight of his instru¬
S hortly before midnight Hagedorn ment. Soon he was up on the stage.
and Professor Chooljian returned The bass viol made a resounding
to Symphony Hall. Outside they were boom as it struck the stage floor.
met by Maddigan and several other Then came sounds of the player re-
186 WEIRD TALES

moving the case and preparing to swirling brain came grim recollec¬
play. Next the rasping noise of resin tions of what the professor had told
being rubbed oh the bow. The sound him. Death and destruction! He
chilled Hagedorn. jumped to his feet with a roar. He
After a short pause, Hagedorn swayed drunkenly. He would flee
heard full, deep tones as the bow was from the din before it drove him in¬
drawn across the thick strings. They sane. Just as he reached the aisle
filled the auditorium like thunder. he heard above the titanic rumble
When they ceased presently, Hage¬ something which sounded like a
dorn thought he heard the player voice. At first it was faint, then it
say, “No, no,” as though dissatisfied swelled in volume even above the
with his efforts. bass chord.
In a few moments the notes were “Stop him! stop him!” it shrieked.
resumed. This time Hagedorn recog¬
It was the professor. Hagedorn
nized the sound as that he had heard
wheeled about and started blindly
on the night he had crept into Sym¬
down the aisle in the direction of the
phony Hall to escape the hailstorm.
voice. At the same time, above the
There was that same roaring drone,
roar of the bass viol, he heard a
ever increasing in volume. The mu¬
splintering sound from above. Ter¬
sician was evidently playing the
ror wrenched his soul. The gigantic
chromatic scale over and over in an
girandole had been jarred from its
endeavor to fill the hall with echoes
fastenings. There was a sharp whis¬
until every note of the scale would
tle and the tinkling of glass as it shot
sound at once.
downward, then an ear-splitting
The noise was a jumble at first,
crash.
but now it was taking definite form.
One great and powerful chord was The bass chord stopped abruptly.
emerging. When it reached predom¬ Feet scuffled through broken glass
inance it made the floor electric with and meaningless shouts came from
vibration. It swelled ever louder different corners of the hall. A match
and louder. At the end of a quarter flared up, revealing three detectives
of an hour it was deafening. Hage¬ making clumsily for the stage, then
dorn’s ears began to roar. They went out.
seemed about to burst with a feeling Hagedorn stopped half-way down
like that experienced in passing into the aisle. The situation was both
an underwater subway tube. Then a ludicrous and horrible. Ahead of
swirling sensation came into them him in the darkness a grim game of
and Hagedorn felt as though he were blind man’s buff was in progress.
losing his balance. He gripped the “Damn you, we’ll shoot!” yelled a
arms of his chair. His head was frantic voice.
numb and spinning as though he “The lights, Dorgan, the lights!”
were horribly drunk. came another voice.
Was this the “cosmic chord” of Another match flickered, and by it
which the professor had spoken? Hagedorn saw several men in silhou¬
Hagedorn half arose to shout. Then, ette climbing onto the stage. The
remembering the detective’s admoni¬ match went out. Feeling about for
tion to remain silent, he slouched their prey with outstretched hands,
back again. What were they wait¬ the detectives were creeping over
ing for? The building would col¬ the stage like wild beasts. A knife
lapse l might swish through the darkness
The thought terrified Hagedorn. into one of them. More horrible yet,
He sat cramped in horror. Into his it occurred to Hagedorn, that big
 SATAN’S FIDDLE 187

bass viol might come crashing down Hagedorn heard a panting voice
over the skull of one of them. behind him. He turned quickly as
he ran and saw Professor Chooljian.
'\X7'hen at last the next match “By God, he almost did it—the
’ » flame pierced the darkness, cosmic chord!” gasped the little
Hagedorn discerned a group of de¬ Armenian.
tectives huddled together in a group, Weber had reached the bridge over
each bent forward and pointing his the river. He plunged on unsteadily.
pistol in a different direction. Be¬ “He can’t last,” someone shouted.
fore the match had flickered out, the “Well get him alive when he
hall became flooded with light. No drops.”
one except the detectives stood on Then the retreating figure turned
the stage. Weber had escaped in the to face his pursuers. He made a ges¬
darkness! ture and shouted something. The
There was a sudden scampering detectives halted as though hypno¬
down the aisle and the watchman tized, then all in unison gave a cry
Dorgan appeared. of astonishment, for with incredi¬
“Maddigan!” he shouted. “Quick! ble agility the mad musician dashed
Out the stage entrance! He went onto the bridge and hurled himself
out that way, passing me like a and his burden over the railing.
hound outa hell and flooring me with The pursuers lunged forward.
his big fiddle!” When they reached the railing, they
He had not finished speaking be¬ saw the bass viol floating amid the
fore the detectives were piling off ice and snow in the river. Then the
the stage. Hagedorn was close be¬ outline of a head bobbed up near it.
hind them. As soon as they reached A hand reached out, grasped the
the street, they saw, plainly outlined floating instrument, and in a moment
against the snow, the figure of the Weber was astride it, riding slowly
musician rounding the corner, his down the river. A grotesque specta¬
cumbersome instrument on his back. cle he made, but no one could laugh.
“After him!” Maddigan yelled. The detectives ran back to the end
“Shoot him if he won’t stop! He’s a of the bridge and rushed down the
murderous maniac!” river bank. Weber was floating not
The chase through the snow was fifty feet out. He waved his hand.
brisk, but the distance between the Suddenly a revolver barked.
fugitive and his pursuers as they Hagedorn and Professor Chooljian,
dashed down the avenue lessened standing on the bridge, saw Maddi¬
steadily. When he had reached Fen¬ gan pull back his right arm, some¬
way Park, struggling desperately thing flashing in his hand. The fig¬
under his heavy load, the musician ure astride the bass viol toppled
was not forty feet ahead of his slowly over and slipped into the wa¬
would-be captors. ter. The bass viol floated on alone.
A Tale of Arab Sorcery

THE POWER OF
THE DOG
By G. G. PENDARVES
“^'"'1 REETING, effenii! I S3- “Hath Allah afflicted me with
ffi -a- lute you in the name of Al- blindness, that I should not know
lah the Compassionate!” him ? What man could mistake his
Benson reined in his horse, as the face—with one eye as blue as the lake
Arab on the dusty brown camel ap¬ of Kef-el-dour itself, and the other
proached. “You have no news?” he black as Eblis!”
replied. “No—you could hardly fail to
“None,” said Abou Koi. “It is recognize him,” admitted Benson.
true that an Englishman was at the “Let us return to El Adrar now—I
oasis of Wad Eles; we found him must see if the Bougie police have
there with many servants—digging sent in their report yet.”
foolishly in the sand! But it was not
As they approached El Adrar—
thy Englishman.”
with its handful of flat-roofed houses,
The manager of the El Adrar mine
and its native huts clinging like
frowned thoughtfully, staring out
birds’ nests to the rocky coast—Ben¬
across the broad yellow plain. Up to
son saw that an unusual crowd was
the present, he had ruled his little
gathered in the tiny market-square,
community of natfves and white men
and he rode up to ascertain the cause.
with marked success. He was
“It is Daouad!” Abou Koi in¬
straightforward in his methods, and
formed him in an awed whisper.
although he had little sympathy with
the subtle, devious ways of the Arabs Benson checked an angry exclama¬
—he was never unjust. He listened tion. At every turn he came up
to them, often laughed at them, and against this name! Daouad the Wear¬
gave them more rein than a weaker er of the Veil, the worker of spells,
man would have thought wise. the man whom Adams had named
Now, for the first time in his seven “dog” in a moment of provocation,
years of experience at El Adrar, he and who had now avenged that insult
was faced with a problem which he in secret and terrible fashion, so the
could not solve. It was a month now villagers said.
since his head clerk, Stephen Adams, Always this everlasting Daouad!
had vanished so unaccountably. It Benson was sick of the very sound of
was a mystery—and above all things, his name. There was not a shred of
Benson loathed a mystery! evidence to prove that Daouad had
“You are sure you have made no anything to do with Adams’ disap¬
mistake?—you would recognize pearance; on the contrary there was
Adams effendi if you saw him?” indisputable proof that he had not;
Benson’s gaze returned to the dark, and yet the whispered rumors grew,
sun-ravaged face of the old Arab. and grew.
188
 THE POWER OP THE DOG

On horseback, Benson could see frightening the women and children

over the heads of the jostling, excited with your tales of devils and witch¬
crowd. In their midst stood the craft ! If I were a superstitious man,
veiled figure of Daouad, from whom you would be in prison now for put¬
the people shrank in awe, leaving a ting your spells on Adams effendi—
wide ring about him. He held a long but I won’t flatter you by taking you
whip in his hand, and its wicked lash so seriously. Let me hear no more
flicked out continually, like a snake’s of this foolishness!”
tongue, to urge on a wretched yellow Without waiting for more, Benson
dog rolling in the dust before him. turned on his heel, and beekoned to
The animal was being unmercifully Abou Koi, who stood back with eyes
punished by a vicious black-and- full of fear.
white mongrel, and its tawny coat “Bring the yellow dog to my
was red with blood. The end was a stables, ’ ’ Benson ordered, and mount¬
matter of minutes now, for the black- ing his horse again, he rode through
and-white had a firm grip on the the village to his big white house by
other’s throat, and the yellow dog’s the sea.
struggles had almost ceased.
Benson slipped down from his
horse, and was about to push his way
H alf an hour later Abou Koi pre¬
sented himself before the veran¬
through the crowd, when he felt a da where Benson lounged with a long
hand on his sleeve. He turned to drink at his elbow.
find Abou Koi at his elbow, speaking
“Is the dog in my stables?” asked
low and urgently. “It is an evil
the latter.
thing to come between Daouad and
his pleasure! He will do thee some “No, effendi! Daouad the Chief
ill!” hath taken the animal to his own
dwelling.”
Benson was accustomed to the un¬
thinking cruelty of the Arabs, and, “What! ’ ejaculated Benson, his
up to a point, found it politic not to recent anger returning in a hot wave.
interfere; but an impulse stronger “Master, I was afraid,” replied
than himself now urged him to rescue the other simply. “Thou, with the
the yellow dog from its fate. He magic of a white man, canst with¬
shook off the restraining hand and el¬ stand Daouad and the devil that
bowed the natives aside, and in an¬ dwelleth in him, but with me it is not
other minute stood with a revolver so.”
smoking in his hand, while the black- “Then I must go myself and get
and-white mongrel rolled over with a the dog,” replied Benson, after a
bullet in its brain. long pause.
Daouad and the Englishman faced Abou Koi shrank back, holding his
each other over its dead body, while hand before his face, and wailed.
the yellow dog panted for breath. “Thou too—thou too wilt vanish as
The Arab laughed scornfully: did Adams effendi! Daouad will-”
“The effendi is merciful! May he “I tell you Daouad had nothing
obtain mercy when his hour comes!” whatever to do with Adams effendi!”
There was a threat in his insolent interrupted Benson impatiently.
words, and a murmur of fear ran “That, I have proved. Daouad was
round the ring of spectators. up in the hills at Beni Gaza that day.
Benson was stung to most un¬ And it was here, in this village, that
wonted fury. “You’re making a Adams effendi vanished. He was
nuisance of yourself, Daouad! I seen approaching the village by the
won’t have you here in El Adrar bridge, and walking along the road
190 WEIRD TALES

where it lies in the shadow of the trembling leaves in warning, as it

eucalyptus trees! ” died away..
“Yea!” answered Abou Koi. “And Then as Benson looked ahead, he
beyond those trees doth Daouad tasted fear again, so sharp and poign¬
dwell! ’ ’ ant that his joints seemed turned
“But Daouad was not there that to water. A few yards away, on the
day—and I had the house and gar¬ little bridge beyond the trees, stood
dens searched before he returned the tall veiled figure of Daouad—ap¬
from Beni Gaza. ’ ’ parently risen from the ground!
“Daouad was there that day,” re¬
The Englishman rallied all his
turned Abou Koi solemnly. “What
common sense to his aid.. “ He’s been
if he was seen at Beni Gaza in that
expecting me, of course, ’ ’ he thought,
hour! Hath he not power to clothe a
“and he’s going to try a few of his
devil like to himself—and appear
conjuring tricks.”
thus where he will ? ’ ’
Deliberately he took out a cigar¬
“Then I suppose you believe that
ette, and lit it with steady hands.
both Daouad and Adams effendi were
“Well, Daouad!” he said to the
in the house when I searched it?”
motionless figure. “I’ve come for
“Master, I do believe it. They
that dog.”
were there, but Daouad caused your
eyes to be blind, that you might not “The dog is my dog,” came the
see!” deep answering voice.
“That is damned nonsense!” said “You can dispute that, if you like,
Benson, striding across the veranda. before the magistrate next week.

I T was more than a question of

rescuing a miserable yellow cur,
You don’t know how to treat an ani¬
mal, and I claim it. If you don’t
hand it over at once, I’ll have you ar¬
reflected Benson, as he walked up the rested ! ’ ’
village street—where swift blue dusk “Thou, too, art afraid then!”
fell softly, lit by braziers of glowing ‘ ‘ Not of an Arab dog! ’ ’
charcoal and the firefly gleam of the
“Dog! That word again to me!”
smokers’ pipes. Yes—it was a chal¬
The veiled figure approached, and
lenge to Daouad! The man had de¬
fied him by keeping the dog, and Ben¬ Benson caught the glitter of the dark
son intended to humble this insolent eyes, between hood and littrem*
chief in the eyes of the credulous “Look, white man! Look and see
villagers. the power of the dog! ’ ’
As he neared Daouad’s dwelling, Benson felt a swift wind fan his
and was about to enter the belt of face, and his eyes smarted as though
dense shadow thrown by the trees staring at the midday sun. The aro¬
across the dusty road, a long-drawn matic gloom of the eucalyptus trees
howling rose and fell, with an in¬ vanished, and in its place he saw a
describably mournful cadence. Ben¬ vast stretch of gray desert, from
son was surprized at the stab of fear whose sandy floor heat rose in visible
he felt, and squared his shoulders waves, to meet the white glare of the
impatiently. sky above. Across the desert a dark
“It’s infectious—this talk of moving mass of horsemen passed with
ghosts and devils,” he murmured. tossing spears. A great army—and
“I’ll be as foolish as any ignorant at their head, the proudest and most
beggar in El Adrar soon!” kingly of all that splendid tribe—•
Again that wailing inhuman sound rode Daouad the Chief!
—and the eucalyptus trees rustled * Blue veil worn over nose and mouth.
 THE POWER OF THE DOG 191

“The servants of the dog!” A of his own fingernails. He bit his lip
voice sounded faintly in Benson’s at the betrayal—but his eyes were
ear. steady as he confronted Daouad.
The desert darkened swiftly, and “I admit that you took me by sur¬
under a red moon Benson saw a prize,” he answered lightly. “How¬
world of tents and the gleam of ever, as it is only a conjuring
campfires—stretching over the sands trick-”
to far-distant boundaries.
Daouad smiled evilly. “It was a
But his horror-stricken gaze was
true vision you beheld. Did he not
focused on something in the fore¬
call me dog?”
ground of the picture. Something
“If I believed that,” replied Ben¬
hardly human, that crawled blind
son, his words stumbling and indis¬
and writhing in the shifting sands,
tinct, because of a sudden dryness of
while Daouad spumed it with san¬
his mouth, “you should be hanged
daled foot and urged his slaves to
before dawn breaks, for the dog you
further torture.
are! ”
As Benson stared spellbound, the
chief snatched a flaming brand from The Arab’s eyes blazed, and he lift¬
a brazier at his side, and beckoned ed one hand in a threatening gesture.
with imperious hand. Powerless to Benson drew his revolver and cov¬
resist, Benson stumbled forward un¬ ered him instantly.
til he was face to face with Daouad’s “Enough of this fooling!” he
victim. From its twisted, blackened snapped. “I want that yellow dog—
features, two eyes met his—the eyes and at once!”
of one in hell—but unmistakable to Daouad came a few paces nearer.
Benson! For one was blue as the ‘ ‘ Shoot, white man! Try your magic
Lake of Kef-el-dour and the other against mine!” was the insolent re¬
black as Eblis! ply-
Daouad laughed insolently as he In a white heat of rage, Benson
saw that Benson understood—then,
drew the trigger, and—nothing hap¬
with a fierce gesture, thrust the blaz¬ pened.
ing brand into his victim’s face.
“By Eblis!” mocked the Arab.
Again that fiery wind fanned Ben¬
“Said I not thou wert afraid? So
son’s face; he saw the desert no
lost in fear and wonder of my magic,
longer—but only the little bridge,
that I have drawn thy sting without
and the silver trunks of the eucalyp¬
thy knowledge.”
tus trees, and the tall veiled figure of
Daouad blotting out the moonlight Benson could not repress a gasp.
before him. It was true—the devil had indeed re¬
He drew a deep breath, shaken to moved his cartridges, while he him¬
the very soul by that sudden opening self had stood, fuddled and afraid,
of the gates of hell, yet he stood his like any ignorant native.
ground stubbornly. “Your triek!” he said quietly, his
“Try again, Daouad!” he said, strong face set in its grimmest lines,
steadying his voice by an immense “You are a clever rogue—too clever
effort of will. “A very neat trick, I altogether for El Adrar! And now
admit, but-” that you have done your little turn,
“Yet you feared greatly, white and satisfied yourself that you can
man!” said the chief, pointing to the impose on a white man—we may con¬
other’s hands. Benson involuntarily sider the show is ended.”
glanced down, and saw the palms of “For you—yes! The show is
them marked deep with the indents ended!”
192 WEIRD TALES

Benson controlled a shiver. There once more, his coat flung on the
was a sinister ring he did not like in ground beside him, his shirt tom
Daouad’s slow words. open at the throat; and before him,
“You shall learn the power of the on the bridge, in the white moonlight,
dog,” went on the Arab. “You shall Daouad strove to fling off that sav¬
learn—as did that other one!” age, tawny shape hanging at his
throat!
TX7ith a sudden movement Benson Inch by inch the Arab staggered
’ ' flung himself forward on that back until he reeled against the light
tall veiled figure—but he clutched handrail of the bridge. It bent and
the empty air and fell, choking and broke with a report which rang out
gasping, his eyes and mouth full of like a pistol shot, and man and dog
hot sand. Utterly bewildered, he got fell into the deep water below.
to his knees, to find himself once more Benson dragged himself forward,
under that low-hung moon in the and peered down. He saw the two
wilderness, among the tents and locked together, sink and rise, and
campfires of Daouad the Chief. sink again. Then, after a long inter¬
val, both rose once more to the sur¬
And then naked terror seized him.
face, and began to float slowly down
For again Daouad stood before the
the stream.
great brazier—his torturers in a ring
He watched and saw how they
about him—and within that circle of
drifted apart at last—Daouad was
evil grinning faces he himself was
carried on in midstream, while the
hemmed.
dog was drawn into the shallows and
“Deliver my soul from the power lay washing gently to and fro among
of the dog!” The words beat like a the long reeds by the bank.
tattoo in Benson’s brain. He knew A quick impulse stirred Benson.
now, too late to save himself, that
He must at least give the animal a
such power was real—a blasting, dev¬ decent burial—not leave it like a
astating power that could destroy drowned rat there in the water! Had
him, body and soul.
it not been for the yellow dog-!
The chief pointed to him, and Ben¬ He shivered, and ran quickly down
son strove desperately that he might to the river’s brink and drew the dog
not grovel before his enemy. to land. The dead body was wet and
A pock-marked Arab tore the heavy, and Benson staggered as he
Englishman’s coat from his back carried it up to the road.
with slavering eagerness, and cruel He put out a hand to shut its eyes
fingers were at the collar of his shirt, —those staring glassy eyes! But he
when a swift, lean shape darted did not shut them—his hand fell to
across the ring, and sprang at his side, and violent, nauseating hor¬
Daouad’s throat. ror, too great for brain and body to
“The yellow dog!” burst from bear, overwhelmed him; and he
Benson’s dry lips, as he heard a chok¬ pitched forward on his face in the
ing, terrible cry, and the vast floor of road.
the desert seemed to rise up around One eye of the yellow dog was blue
him. . . . Then he saw clearly again as the lake of Kef-el-dour, the other
he was under the eucalyptus trees black as Eblis.
CREEPING SHADOWS
By 9£ABOR''
QGIMN

“Two distinct shapes—squat, crooked¬

legged human shapes—became visible
against the darkness.”

“71 /fON Dieu! Is it that we good boys, sor, an’ worthy to be be¬
IwM are arrest’?” Jules de lieved, for I know ’em of old.”
i. vlfl. Grandin half rose from ‘ ‘ I doubt it .not, ’ ’ de Grandin ac¬
the dinner table in mock consterna¬ knowledged the introduction with
tion as the vigorous ringing of the one of his quick smiles, “those whom
front door bell was followed by a you vouch for are surely not to be de¬
heavy tramp in the hall, and Nora, spised, mon vieux. But this favor
my household factotum, ushered De¬ you would have of me, what of it?”
tective Sergeant Costello and two Detective Sergeant Costello clasped
uniformed policemen into the dining his black derby hat in a viselike grip
room. between his knees and stared into its
“Not a bit of it,” Costello nega¬ interior as though he expected to
tived with a grin as he seated him¬ find inspiration there. “We’re after
self on the extreme forward edge of wantin’ some information in th’
the chair I indicated and motioned Craven case, if ye don’t mind, sor,”
the two patrolmen to seats beside him. he replied.
“Not a bit of it, Dr. de Grandin, sor; “Eh, the Craven case?” de Gran¬
but we’re after askin’ a favor of you, din echoed. “Parbleu, old friend, I
if you don’t mind. This is Officer fear you have come to the wrong bu¬
Callaghan”—he indicated the burly, reau of information. I know nothing
red-headed policeman at his right— of the matter except such tags of
“an’ this is Officer Schippert. Both gossip as I have heard, and that is
w. T.—2 193
194 WEIRD TALES

little enough. Was it not that this about when they say th’ putrefactive
Monsieur Craven, who lived alone by state of his body showed Craven had
himself, was discovered dead in his been dead several days; but just th’
front yard after having lain there in same-” He paused, casting a
that condition for several days, and glance at his two blue-uniformed
that there was evidence of neither confreres.
struggle nor robbery? Am I right?” “Nom d’un bouc, go on, man; go
“M’m,” Costello mumbled. “They on!” de Grandin urged. “I starve
didn’t tell ye nothin’ about his head for further details, and you withhold
bein’ cut off, then?” your story like a naughty little boy
An expression of almost tragic teasing a dog with a bit of meat!
astonishment swept over the little Proceed, I beseech you.”
Frenchman’s face. “What is it that “Well, sor, as I was sayin’,” the
you say—he was beheaded?” he ex¬ detective resumed, “I ain’t settin’ up
claimed incredulously. “Mordieu, to be no medical doctor, nor nothin’
why was I not informed of this? I like that; but I’ll take me Bible oath
had been told there was no evidence Mister Craven hadn’t been dead no
of struggle! Is it then that lonely several days when they found him
gentlemen in America suffer the loss layin’ in his garden.. ’Twas early in
of their heads without struggling? th’ mornin’ of th’ very day they
Tell on, my friend". I burn, I am found ’im I was walkin’ past his
consumed with curiosity. What more house after bein’ out most all night
of this so remarkable case where a on a case, an’ I seen him standin’ in
man dies by decapitation and there is his front yard with me own two eyes,
no sign of foul play? Nom d’un rai¬ as plain as I see you this minute, sor.
sin, I am very wise, cher sergent, but Callaghan an’ Schippert, who was
it seems I have yet much to learn! ’ ’ cornin’ off night juty, come past th’
“Well, sor,” Costello began half house not more’n a’ hour afterward,
apologetically, “I don’t know why ye an’ they seen ’im standin’ among th’
never heard about Craven’s head be¬ flowers, too.”
in’ missin’, unless th’ coroner’s office “Eh, you are sure of this?” de
hustled th’ body off too soon for th’ Grandin demanded, his little blue
folks to git wise. But that ain’t th’ eyes snapping with interest.
strangest part of th’ case; not by a “Positive,” Costello returned.
dam’ sight—askin’ your pardon for “Meself, I might a’ seen a ghost, an’
th’ expression, sor. Ye see, these Callaghan might a’ done th’ same,
boys here”—he indicated the officers, for we’re Irish, sor, an’ th’ hidden
who nodded solemn confirmation of people show ’emselves to us when
his remark before he uttered it— they don’t bid th’ time o’ day to th’
“these boys here have th’ beat which rest o’ yez; but Schippert here, if he
goes past th’ Craven house, an’ they seen a banshee settin’ on a murder¬
both of ’em swear they seen him in er’s grave, combin’ her hair with th’
his front yard th’ mornin’ of th’ very shin-bone of a dead gipsy, he’d never
day he was found dead, an’ supposed give th’ old gurrl a tumble unless her
to have been dead for several days screechin’ annoyed th’ neighbors, an’
when found! then he’d tell her to shut up an’ move
“Now, Dr. de Grandin, I’m just a on, or he’d run her in for disturbin’
police officer, an’ Callaghan an’ th’ peace. So if Schippert says he
Schippert’s just a pair o’ harness seen Mr. Craven walkin’ in his front
bulls. We ain’t had no eddycation, garden half an hour after sun-up,
an’ th’ doctors at the coroner’s office why, Mr. Craven it were, sor, an’ no
ought to know what they’re talkin’ ghost at all. I’ll swear to that.”
 CREEPING SHADOWS 195

<( Morbleu, and did you not tell the with delight at de Grandin’s enthusi¬
coroner as touch at the inquisition?’' astic acceptance of his suggestion,
de Grandin asked, producing a cigar¬ “we knew as how you’d had all sorts
ette from his waistcoat pocket like a an’ kinds o’ experience with dead
prestidigitator exhuming a rabbit folks, an’ we’re wonderin’ if mebbe
from his trick hat, but forgetting to you would go over to th’ Craven
light it in his excitement. “Did you house with us an’ take a look round
not inform Monsieur le Coroneur of th’ premises, sorter. Mebbe you’d be
this?”<:; able to find out sumpin’ that would
“#o, sor; we wasn’t invited to th’ make th’ goin’ aisier for us, for
inchest. I reported what I’d seen to they’re razzin’ us sumpin’ awful
headquarters when I heard they’d about sayin’ we seen Mr. Craven
found Mr. Craven’s body, an’ several days after th’ doctor says he
Callaghan an’ Schippert done th’ was kilt, so they are. All th’ same,
sarhe at their precinct, but all they no matter what they say at th’ cor¬
said to us was 'Applesauce.’ An’ oner’s office,” he added stubbornly,
that was that, sor. Y’see, when we “a man that’s well enough to be
all three swore we’d seen th’ man walkin’ around his own front yard at
himself th ’ same momin’, an’ th’ doc¬ half-past 4 in th’ mornin’ ain’t goin’
tors all Swore he must a’ been dead to be dead several days when he’s
almost a week before he was found, found in th’ same yard a few minutes
they thought we was all cuckoo, an’ after 4 o’clock th’ same afternoon.
paid its no more mind.” That’s what I say, an’ Callaghan an’
“Notn d’un pore! Did they so?” Schippert here says th’ same.”
de Grandin barked. “They did tell “Sure do,” Officers Callaghan and
you, my friend, that you spoke the Schippert nodded solemn agreement.
sauce of the apple; you, who have “Parbleu, mes amis,” de Grandin
assisted Jules de Grandin in more agreed as he rose from the table, “I
cases than one? Mordieu, it is the consider your logic irrefutable.
insult! I shall go to these canaille; “Come, Trowbridge, my friend,”
I shall tell them to their foolish faces he beckoned to me, “let us go to this
that they possess not the brain of a house where men who died several
guinea-pig! I, Jules de Grandin, days before—with their heads off,
shall inform them-” parbleu!—promenade their front
“Aisy, sor; go aisy, if ye plfase,” yards. ’ ’ He held the door of my mo¬
Costello besought., “ ’Twould do us tor’s tonneau courteously for the
more harm than good should ye cause three officers, then vaulted nimbly to
hard feelin’s agin us at th’ coroner’s the front seat beside me. “Trow¬
office; but ye can be a big help to us bridge, my old one,” he whispered as
in another way, if ye will.” I set the car in motion, “I damn
“Morbleu, speak on, my friend, en¬ think we shall have the beautiful ad¬
lighten me,” de Grandin agreed. “If venture this night. Hasten, I would
there be a mystery to this case, and a that it begins at once, right away. ”
mystery there surely is, have no fear
that Jules de Grandin will sleep or T he Craven cottage stood in the
eat or drink till it shall be ex¬ center of a quarter-acre tract, a
plained ! ” He poured himself another low hedge cutting it off from the old
-oup of coffee and imbibed it in two military road on which it faced, an
huge gulps. “Lead on, mon brave. eight-foot brick wall surrounding its
What is it that you would have me other three sides. Though the front
do?” grounds were planted in a run-down
“Well, sor,” the Irishman grinned garden, there were no trees near the
196 WEIRD TALES

house, consequently we had an un¬ policeman’s blouse and made a closer

obstructed view of the yard in the examination.
brilliant May moonlight. “Look here, Dr. de Grandin,’’ the
“It was right here they found sergeant announced, looking up from
him,’’ Officer Schippert volunteered, the dead man’s face with the dry¬
directing our attention to a bed of eyed sorrow of a man whose daily
phlox which still bore the impression duty it is to take desperate risks,
of some heavy weight. “He was “there’s something devilish about
standin’ almost alongside this here this business. Look at his face! He’s
flower bed when I seen him that turnin’ spotty a’ready! Why, you’d
momin’, an' he must a’ fallen where think he was dead a couple o’ day's,
he stood. I can’t understand what— an’ we only just carried him in here
oueh! What th’ devil’s that!’’ He a minute ago.”
drew his hand suddenly back from De Grandin bent closer, examining
the mass of flowering plants, grasping the dead man’s face, chest and arms
his forefinger in pain. attentively. “Pardieu, it may easily
“Stick yerself, Schip!” Callaghan be so!” he murmured to himself
asked casually. “I didn’t know them then aloud to Costello: “You,are
things had thorns on ’em.’’ right, my friend. Do you and the
“I’ll say I stuck myself,’’ Officer good Callaghan go to the police bu¬
Schippert replied, displaying a long, reau for an ambulance. Dr. Trow¬
pointed sliver of wood adhering to the bridge and I will wait until they
come for the—for your comrade.
skin of his finger. “This thing was
Meantime-” He broke off, gazing
layin’ right amongst them flowers,
abstractedly about the combination
an’—oh, my God! Callaghan, Cos¬
living-dining room in which we stood,
tello, I’m goin’ blind; I’m dyin’!’’
noting the odd ornaments on the
With an exclamation which was half
mantel-shelf, the neatly arranged
grunt, half choke, he slid forward to
blue plates in the china closet, the
the earth, his stalwart body crushing
general air of stiff, masculine house¬
the flowers which had bent beneath
keeping whieh permeated the apart¬
the weight of Craven’s headless
ment.
corpse some forty-eight hours earlier.
“Parbleu, Trowbridge, my friend,”
‘ ‘ Howly Mither! ’ ’ Sergeant Costello he comjjiented as the policemen tip¬
exclaimed as he bent over the pros¬
toed out, ‘ ‘ I think this matter will re¬
trate figure of the policeman. “Dr. quire much thinking over. Me, I do
de Grandin, he is dead! See here, not like the way this poor one died,
sor; his heart’s stopped heatin’!’’ and I have less liking for the intelli¬
De Grandin and I leaned forward, gence that Monsieur Craven’s head'
making a hasty inspection. Costello’s was missing.”
diagnosis was all too true. The sturdy “But Graven must have been cut
patrolman, vibrant with life two min¬ down by some fiend,” I interposed,
utes before, was lifeless as the man “while poor Schippert—well, how
whose body lay in the city morgue, did he die, de Grandin!”
“apparently dead for several days “Who can say!” he queried in his
when found,’’ according to medical turn, tapping his teeth thoughtfully
testimony. with the polished nail of his fore¬
Costello and I picked our fallen finger.
comrade up and bore him into the “Now, Jules de Grandin, great
empty house of death, and while I tele de chou that you are, what have
struck a match and applied it to a you to say to this ! ” he apostrophized
gas jet, de Grandin opened the dead himself as he inspected the splinter1’
 CREEPING SHADOWS 197

of wood which had scratched the dead paper. Darting forward he retrieved
policeman’s hand. “That is what it the bit of refuse and spread it before
is, undoubtlessly, ” he continued his him on the table.
monologue, “yes, pardieu, we do all “Um’m?” he muttered non-com¬
know that, but why? Such things do mittally, staring at the relic as
not happen without reason, foolish though he expected it to speak.
one.” He turned to the chest of
The paper had been burned to a
drawers beneath the kitchen dresser
crisp and had curled up on itself with
and began ransacking it as method¬
the action of the flame, but the metal¬
ically as though he were a burglar in¬
lic content of the ink in which its
tent on looting the place.
message had been scribbled had
“Ah? What have we here?” he bleached to a dark, leaden gray, sev¬
demanded as a heavy package, se¬ eral shades lighter than the carbon¬
curely wrapped in muslin, came to ized surface of the note itself.
light. “Perhaps it is a plate-”
“Regardez vous, my friend,” he
He bore the parcel to the unpainted
commanded, taking a pair of labora¬
kitchen table and began undoing the
tory tweezers from his dinner-coat
, nautical knots with which its wrap¬
pocket and straightening the paper
pings were fastened. “Morbleu,” he
slightly with a careful pressure. “Can
laid back the last layer of cloth, “it
not you descry words on this so black
is a plate, Friend Trowbridge. And background?”
such a plate! Men have died for less
“No—yes!” I replied, looking over
—cordieu, I think men have died for
his shoulder and straining my eyes to
this, unless I am more mistaken than the utmost.
I think.”
“Bien, we shall read it together,”
Under the flickering gaslight there he responded. * ‘ Now to begin: ’ ’
lay a disk of yellow metal some “ ar al,” we spelled out labori¬
thirteen or fourteen inches in diam¬ ously, as he turned the charred note
eter, its outer edge decorated with a gingerly to and fro beneath the
row of small, oblong ornaments, like lambent light, ‘‘red ils av ot
a border of dominoes, an inner circle, Murphy. Lay low an-” the rest
three inches or so smaller than the of the message was lost in the multi¬
plate’s perimeter, serving as a frame tude of heat-wrinkles on the paper’s
for the bas-relief figure of a dancing blackened surface.
man crowned with a feather head¬ “MordAeu, but this is too bad!” he
dress and brandishing a two-headed exclaimed when our united efforts to
spear in one hand and a hook-ended decipher further words proved fruit¬
war-club in the other. less. ‘ ‘ There is no date, no signature,
“ It is gold, my friend, ’ ’ he breathed no anything. Helas, we stand no
almost reverently. 1 ‘ Solid, virgin nearer an answer to our puzzle than
gold, hammered by hand a thousand at first,!”
years ago, if a day. Pure Mayan it He lighted one of his evil-smelling
is,, from Chichen-Itza or Uxmal, and French cigarettes and took several
worth its weight in diamonds.” lung-filling, thoughtful puffs, then
“U’m, perhaps,” I agreed doubt¬ threw the half-smoked tube into the
fully, “but nothing you’ve said fireplace and began rewrapping the
means anything to me.” golden plate. “My friend,” he in¬
“No matter,” he retorted shortly. formed me, his little blue eyes twink¬
“Let us see—ah, what have we ling with sardonic laughter, “I lie. A
here?” In a corner of the small open moment since I did declare we were
fireplace, innocent of any trace of ash still at sea, but now I think we are,
or cinder, lay a tiny wisp of charred like Columbus, in sight of land.
198 WEIRD TALES

Moreover, again like Columbus, I Me, I have wisdom. Much experience

think it is the coast of Central Amer¬ has given it to me. Let us say no
ica which we do sight. Behold, we more of this matter until we have
have established the motive for Mon¬ ascertained light on certain things
sieur Craven’s murder, and we know which are yet most dark. Yes.”
how it was accomplished. There now “But-”
remains only to ascertain who this
“Je suis le roi de ces moniagnes . . .”
Monsieur Murphy was and who in¬
scribed this note of warning to the he sang in high good humor, nor
late Monsieur Craven.” could all my threats or entreaties
“Well,” I exclaimed impatiently, make him. say one word more con¬
“I’m glad you’ve found out why and cerning the mystery of Craven’s
how Craven was killed. All I ’ve seen death, or Schippert’s, or the queer,
here tonight is a policeman’s tragic golden plate we found in the deserted
death and a silly-looking plate from house.
Uxbridge, or some other absurd
place. ’ ’ ON soir, sergentde Grandin
He produced another cigarette and greeted as Costello entered the
felt thoughtfully through his pockets study shortly after 9 o ’clock the
for a match. ‘ ‘ Those who know not following evening. “We have await¬
what they see ofttimes see nothing, ed you with impatience.”
my friend,” he returned with a sar¬ ‘ ‘ Have ye, now ? ’ ’ the Irishman re¬
castic smile. “Come, let us go out plied. “Sure, it’s too bad entirely
into the air. This place—pah!—it that I’ve delayed th’ party, but I’ve
has the reek of death on it. ’ ’ had th’ devil’s own time gettin’ here
We waited at the front gate until this night. All sorts o’ things have
Costello and Callaghan arrived with been poppin’ up, sor.”
the police ambulance. As the litter- “Eh bien, perhaps we shall pop
bearers passed us on their grisly er¬ up something more before the night
rand, de Grandin leaned from my car is ended,” the Frenchman returned.
and whispered to Costello; “Tomor¬ “Come, let us hasten; we have much
row night, cher sergent.. Perhaps we to do before we seek our beds. ’ ’
shall come to the end of the riddle
“All right,” Costello agreed as he
then, and apprehend those who slew
prepared to follow, “where are we
your friend, as well. ’ ’
goin’, if I may ask?”
“Can ye, now, doctor?” the Irish¬
“Ah, too many questions spoil the
man returned eagerly. “By gorry,
I’ll be present with bells—an’ a party of surprize, my friend,” de
couple o’ guns—on if ye can trace th’ Grandin answered with a laugh as he
murderin’ devil for me.” led the way to the ear.
“Tres bien,” de Grandin assented. “ Do you know the Rugby Road,
“Meet us at Dr. Trowbridge’s house Friend Trowbridge?” he asked as he
about 8 o’clock, if you please. ’ ’ climbed into the front seat beside me.
“Now, what’s it all mean?” I de¬ ‘ ‘ Uh, yes, ”T replied without enthusi¬
manded as I turned the car toward asm. The neighborhood he mentioned
home.. “You’re as mysterious as a was in a suburb at the extreme east
magician at the county fair. Come, end of town, not at all noted for its
out with it!” odor of sanctity. Frankly, I had not
“Listen, my friend,” he bade. much stomach for driving out there
“The wise man who thinks he knows after dark, even with Sergeant Cos¬
whereof he speaks retains silence un¬ tello for company, but de Grandin
til his thought becomes a certainty. gave me no time for temporizing.
 CREEPING SHADOWS 199

“Bien,” he replied enthusiastical¬ The man inside appeared to be con¬

ly. “You will drive us there with sidering de Grandin’s statement, for
all celerity, if you please, and pause there was a brief period of silence,
when I give the signal. Come, my then the sound of bolts withdrawing
friend; haste, I pray you. Not only and a chain-lock being undone.
may we save another life—we may “Quick—step fast!” the voice ad¬
apprehend those • assassins who did monished as the door swung inward
Craven and the poor Schippert to a scant ten inches without disclosing
death. ’ ’ the person behind it. Next moment
“All right,” I agreed grudgingly, we stood in a dimly lighted hallway,
“but I’m not very keen on it.” surveying a perspiring little man in
Half an hour’s run brought us to tattered pajamas and badly worn car¬
the winding, tree-shaded trail known pet slippers. He was an odd-looking
as Rugby Road, a thoroughfare bit of humanity, undersized, thin
of broken pavements, tumbledown almost to the point of emaciation,
houses and wide spaces of open, un¬ with small, deep-sunken eyes set close
cultivated fields. At a signal from together, a head almost denuded of
my companion I brought up before hair and a mouth at once weak and
the straggling picket fence of a de¬ vicious. I conceived an instant dis¬
serted-looking cottage, and the three like for him, nor was my regard
of us swarmed out and advanced heightened by his greeting.
along the grass-choked path leading “What do you know about ‘the red
to the ruinous front stoop. devils’?” he demanded truculently,
“I’m thinkin’ we’ve had our ride regarding us with something more
for our pains, sor, ’ ’ Costello asserted than suspicion. “If you’re in ca¬
as de Grandin’s third imperative hoots with ’em—— ” he placed his
knoek brought no response from be¬ hand against the soiled front of his
yond the weather-scarred door. jacket, displaying the outline of a
“Not we,” the Frenchman denied, revolver strapped to his waist.
increasing both tempo and volume of “Ah hah, Deacons,” de Grandin
his raps. “There is someone here, of a advised, “be not an utter fool. Were
certainty, and here we shall stand we part of their company, you know
until we receive an answer.” how much' safety the possession of
His persistence was rewarded, for that toy would afford. Murphy was
a shuffling step finally sounded be¬ an excellent shot, so was Craven,
yond the panels, and a cautious voice but”—he waved an expressive hand
demanded haltingly, “Who’s there?” —“what good were all their weap¬
“Parbleu, friend, you are over long ons ? ’ ’
in honoring the presence of those who “None, by God!” the other an¬
come to aid you!” de Grandin com¬ swered with a shudder. ‘ ‘ But what’s
plained with testy irrelevancy. “Have a little pip squeak like you goin’ to
the kindness to open the door. ’ ’ be able to do to help me?”
‘ ‘ Who’s there ? ’ ’ the voice repeated, “Morbleu—a pip squeak—7?” The
this time with something like a tremor diminutive Frenchman bristled like a
in it. bantam game-cock, then interrupted
“Nom d’un homard!” the French¬ himself to ask, “Why do you barri¬
man ejaculated. “What does it mat¬ cade yohrself like this? Think you
ter what names we bear? We are to escape in that way?”
eome to help you escape ‘the red “What d’ye want me to do?” the
devils’—those same demons who did other replied sullenly. “Go out an’
away with Murphy and Craven. let ’em fill me full o’-”
Quick, open, for the time is short!” ‘ ‘ Tiens, the chances are nine to one
200 WEIRD TALES

that they will get you in any case,” cons sat sullenly while de Grandin
de Grandin cut in cheerfully. “We deftly punched and pounded the mass
have come to offer you the tenth of soggy clay into a rough simulac¬
chance, my friend. Now attend me rum of his nondescript profile. “Par¬
carefully: Have you a cellar beneath bleu, Trowbridge, my friend,” he re¬
this detestable ruin of a house, and marked with a grin, “when I was a
has it a floor of earth ? ’ ’ lad studying at the Beaux Arts and
“Huh? Yes,” the other replied, learning I should never make an
looking at the Frenchman as though artist, little did I think I should one
he expected him to proclaim himself day apply such little skill as I ab¬
Emperor of China with his next sorbed in modeling such a cochon as
breath. ‘ ‘ What of it ? ” that”—he indicated Deacons with a
“Parbleu, much of it, stupid one! disdainful nod—“in earth scooped
■Quick, make haste, repair instantly from his own cellar floor! Eh bien,
to the cellar and bring me a panful he who tracks a mystery does many
of earth. Be swift, the night is too strange things before he reaches his
hot for us to remain long baking in trail’s end, n’est-ce-pas?
this hell-hole of yours.” “Now, then,” he gave the clay a
“Lookee here-” the other be¬ final scrape with his thumb, “let us
gan, but de Grandin shut him off. consider the two of you. Be so good
“Do as I bid!” he thundered, his as to stand beside my masterpiece,
little eyes blazing fiercely. “At once, Monsieur,” he waved an inviting
right away, immediately, or we leave hand to his model and strode across
you to your fate. Cordieu, am I not the room to get a longer perspective
Jules de Grandin? I will be obeyed!” on his work.
With surprizing meekness our host Deacons complied, still muttering
descended to the cellar and struggled complainingly about “fellers that
up the rickety stairs in a few min¬ comes to a man’s house an’ orders ’im
utes, a dishpan full of clayey soil about like he was a bloomin’ ser¬
from the unpaved floor in his hands. vant.”
“Bien!” De Grandin carried the The Frenchman regarded his
earth to the kitchen sink and proceed¬ handiwork through narrowed eyelids,
ed to moisten it with water from turning his head first one side, then
the tap, then began kneading it the other. Finally he gave a short
gently with his long, tapering fingers. grunt of satisfaction. “Ma foi,” he
“Do you seat yourself between me looked from Costello to me, then back
and the light, my friend,” he com¬ to Deacons and the bust. “I think I
manded, looking up from his work to have bettered the work of le bon
address Deacons. “I would have a Dieu. Surely my creation from earth
clear-cut view of your profile.” does flatter His. Is it not so, my
“Sa-a-ay-” the other began friends?”
protestingly. “Sure, it is,” Costello commended,
“Here, now, you, dp what Dr. de “but if it ain’t askin’ too much, I’d
Grandin tells ye, or I’ll mash ye to a like to know what’s th’ idea o’ all th’
pulp,” Costello cut in, evidently monkey business?”
feeling he had already taken too little De Grandin wiped the clay from
part in the proceedings. “Turn your his hands on the none-too-clean towel
ugly mug, now, like he tells ye, or I ’ll which hung from a nail in the kitchen
be turnin’ it for ye, an’ turnin’ it so door. “We are about to demonstrate
far ye’ll have to walk backwards to the superiority of Aryan culture to
see where ye’re goin’, too.” the heathen in his blindness,” he re¬
Under Costello’s chaperonage Dea¬ plied.
 CREEPING SHADOWS 201

“Arc we, now?” Costello an¬ have quick and straight shooting to
swered. ‘‘Sure, that’s fine. When do do before we age many minutes.
we start?” “Deacons,” he turned at the door¬
‘‘Now, immediately, right away. way, speaking with a sharp, rasping
Deacons”—he turned curtly to our note of command in his voice, “do
host—‘ ‘do you smoke a pipe ? Habit¬ you seat yourself on the floor, out of
ually? Men. You will put your pipe sight from the window, and draw
in, that image’s mouth, if you please. the table toward you slowly with that
Careful* I do not wish my work rope when you hear my command.
spoiled by your clumsiness. Good.” Slowly, my friend, mind you; about
He regarded the image a thoughtful the pace a man might walk if he
moment, then drawled to himself. were in no hurry. Much depends
‘‘And—now—ah, pardieu, the very upon your exact compliance with my
thing!” Seizing a roll of clothesline orders. Now-”
fromr,the corner of the room he made Tiptoeing to the window, he seized
it, fast to a leg of the table on which the sliding blind, ran it up to its full
the statuette rested, then began drag¬ height, then unbarred the shutters,
ging it slowly toward him. flinging them wide, and dodged
nimbly back from the window’s
“Once more I would have your so
opening.
generous criticism, Sergent,” he re¬
quested, of Costello. “Will you stand “Sergent—Trowbridge!” he whis¬
in the doorway, there, and observe pered tensely. “Attention; let us
the statue as it passes the light? Does go; allons! Be ready,” he flung the
its outline resemble the profile of our command to Deacons over his shoul¬
handsome friend yonder?” der as he slipped from the room,
“begin drawing in the rope when you
“It does,” the policeman asserted hear the back door open! ’ ’
after a careful inspection through
Silently as a trio of ghosts we stole
half-closed eyes. “If I seen it at out into the moonless, humid night,
fifty foot or so in a bad light I’d skirted the line of the house wall,
think it were th’ man himself, and crouched in the shadow of a
mebbe. ’ ’ dilapidated rain-barrel.
“Good, fine, excellent,” de Gran- “D’ye think annyone will-”
dia replied. “Those are the precise Costello began in a hoarse whisper,
conditions under which I propose but:
exhibiting my work to the audience I “S-s-sh!” de Grandin shut him off.
doubt not waits to examine it. Par- ‘ ‘ Observe, my friends; look yonder! ’ ’
lieu, we must hope their sense of A clump of scrub maple and pop¬
artistic appreciation is not too highly lar grew some forty feet from the
developed. Trowbridge, mon vieux, house, and as we obeyed the French¬
will you assist me with the table? I man’s imperative nod, a portion of
would have it in the next room, the dense shadow thrown by the trees
please.” appeared to detach itself from the
surrounding gloom and drift slowly
When we had placed the table some toward the lighted window across
five feet from the living room window which the crudely modeled bust of
which overlooked the cottage’s shabby Deacons was being pulled.
side yard, de Grandin turned to Cos¬ “Careful, my friends; no noise!”
tello and me, his face tense with ex¬ de Grandin warned, so low the
citement. “Let us steal to the back syllables were barely audible above
door, my friends,” he directed, “and the murmuring night noises. The
you, Sergent, do you have your pistol drifting shadow was joined by an¬
ready, for it may be that we shall other, the two merging into one
202 WEIRD TALES

almost imperceptible blot of black¬ have other things of more importance

ness. to observe, if you please. Turn your
Nearer, still nearer the creeping flashlight here, if you will.”
patch of gloom approached, then, Sharply silhouetted against the
with the suddenness of a wind-driven, circle of brilliance cast by the electric
cloud altering shape, the ebon blotch torch were two slender, thomlike
changed from horizontal to vertical,
splinters of wood, their hard, pointed
two distinct shapes—squat, crooked¬
legged human shapes—became visible tips buried to a depth of a quarter-
against the darkness of the night’s inch in the clapboard’s crumbling
background, and a wild, eery, blood¬ surface.
curdling yell rent the heavy, grass- “It was such as these whieh killed
scented air. Craven and Comrade Sehippert,?
Two undersized, screaming shapes the Frenchman explained shortly.
ran wildly toward the dimly lit win¬ “Had I not fired when I did, these”
dow, but Detective Sergeant Costello —he pointed gingerly to the thorns—
was quicker than they. “I’ve got “would have been in you, my friend,
ye, ye murderin’ devils!” he roared, and you, I doubt not, would have
leaping from his ambush and flour¬ been in heaven. Morbleu, as it/yvras, I
ishing his revolver. “Stick up your did despair of drawing you hack be¬
paws, or I’ll make a fly-net out o’ fore they had pierced you wi|h , their
th’ pair of yez!” darts, and le bon Dieu knows; I shot
“Down—down, fool!” de Grandin
not a moment too soon!”
shrieked despairingly, as he strove
futilely to drag the big Irishman “But—howly Mither!—what th*
back into the shadow. devil is it, annyway, sor?” the big
He gave up the attempt and detective demanded in a fever of
leaped forward with lithe, catlike mystification.
grace, interposing himself between De Grandin blew methodically
the detective and the shadowy forms. down the barrel of his pistol to clear
Something shone dimly in the night’s the smoke fumes away before restor¬
starless air, two flashes of intense, ing the weapon to his shoulder hol¬
orange flame spurted through the ster. “They are darts, my friend.
darkness, and the twin roar of a Arrows from blowguns—arrows of
French army pistol crashed and re¬ sure and certain death, for with them
verberated against the house wall. every hit is a fatal one. In South
The racing shadows halted abrupt¬ and Central America the Indians
ly in their course, seemed to lean to¬ use them in blowguns for certain
gether an instant, to merge like a classes of hunting, and sometimes in
mass of vapor jostled by the wind, war, and when they blow one of them
then slumped suddenly downward into a jaguar, fierce and tenacious of
and lay still. life as the great cat is, he dies before
“Blessed St. Patrick!” Costello he can fall from his tree to the earth.
murmured, turning the prostrate Beside the venom in which these
forms over, inspecting the gaping darts are steeped the poison of the
wounds torn by de Grandin’s soft- cobra or the rattlesnake is harmless
nosed bullets with a sort of pathetic as water.
awe. ‘ ‘ That’s what I call some shoot- “But come”—he turned again
in’, Dr. de Grandin, sor. I knew ye toward the house—“let us go in. Me,
was a clever little devil—askin’ your I think I have all this sad and sor¬
pardon—but-” did story by heart, but there is cer¬
“Parbleu, my friend, when shoot¬ tain information I would get from
ing is necessary, I shoot,” de Gran¬ the excellent Deacons, before we
din replied complacently. “But we write the last chapter.
 CREEPING SHADOWS 203

‘ ‘ XT ow, Monsieur,” de Grandin to be workin’ for some university,

leveled his unwinking, steel- ’stead o’ bein’ just plain thieves.
hard stare at the little man cowering Them scientists are just as bad as we
in the cottage's shabby living room, was, on’y they was gentlemen, an’
“you have spent much time in Cen¬ could git away with their second-
tral America, I take it. You and story work.”
your compatriots, Murphy and Cra¬ “About ten years ago,” de Gran¬
ven, were grave-robbers, n’est-ce- din went on as if Deacons had not
pas?” spoken, “this fellow, together with
“Huh? What’s that?” Costello Craven, Murphy and three others,
interrupted incredulously. ‘ ‘ Grave- stumbled on the ruins of an old Ma¬
robbers, did ye say, sor? Stiff-steal¬ yan city in Yucatan. Only the good
ers?” God knows how they found it, but
“Non, non,” the Frenchman re¬ find it they did, and with it they
turned with a quick smile, then found a perfect El Dorado of golden
turned a stern face toward Deacons. relics..
“Not stealers of corpses, my friend, ‘ ‘ The local Indians—poor, ig¬
but stealers of treasure. Morbleu, do norant, oppressed wretches—had lost
I not know their ilk? But of course. all knowledge of their once so splen¬
My friends, I was with de Lesseps did ancestors, and retained nothing
when he strove to consummate the of the ancient Mayan culture but a
wedding of the Atlantic with the few perverted legends and a deep,
Pacific at Panama. I was for a time idolatrous veneration for the ruins of
with the French engineers when Diaz their vanished forebears’ sacred
drove the railway across the Isthmus cities. When they beheld Deacons
of Tehuantepec, and in that time I and his companions pawing over the
learned much of gentry such as these. bodies in the tombs, kicking the skele¬
In all Central America there is great tons about as though they were but
store of gold and silver and turquoise rubbish, and snatching frantically at
buried in the graveyards and ruined anything and everything with the
cities of the native peoples whom the glint of gold upon it—cordieu, how
pig-ignorant Spaniards destroyed in many priceless pieces of copal and
their greed for gold and power. obsidian these so ignorant ignora¬
Today brave men of science do muses must have thrown away!—they
risk their lives that these price¬ swooped down on the camp and the
less relics of a forgotten people robbers had to shoot their way to
may be brought to light, and fel¬ freedom. Three of them were slain,
lows such as Deacons and his two but three of them escaped and won
dead partners hang about the head¬ through to the coast. They made
quarters of exploring parties waiting their way back to this country with
for them to map the course to the their booty and-”
ancient ruins, then rush in and steal “Say”—Deacons looked at the
each scrap of gold on which they can Frenchman as a bird might regard a
lay their so unclean hands. They are serpent—“how’d you find all this
vandals more vile than the Spaniards out?”
who went before them, for they steal “Parbleu, my friend,” the other
not only from the dead, but from the smiled tolerantly, “Jules de Grandin
treasure-house of science as well.” is not to be fooled by such as you!
“We didn’t do nothin’ worse than “Sergent”—he turned again to
th’ highbrows did,” Deacons defend¬ Costello—“while you and Callaghan
ed sullenly. “You never heard of us did seek the ambulance to bear away
tryin’ to alibi ourselves by claimin’ the body of poor Schippert last night,
204 WEIRD TALES

Friend Trowbridge and I investi¬ much like thorns do these accursed

gated the house where Monsieur Cra¬ darts look that the police and cor¬
ven died. It was not hard for us to oner’s attaches might have seen that
see the place was one occupied by a one a thousand times, yet never
man much used to living alone and recognized it for what it was. But
being his own servant in all ways— our poor friend was wounded by it,
a sailor, perhaps, or a man much ac¬ and almost at once he died.
customed to the out-of-the-way places “Now, what was such a dart as this
of the world. That was the first doing in the Craven yard? Why did
domino with which we had to begin the poor Schippert have to scratch
building. himself on a thing which should not
“Now, when we came to examine have been in existence in that latitude
his table de cuisine we did find an and longitude? It is to seek the an¬
ancient Mayan plate engraved with swer.
an effigy of a priest in full sacrificial “We carried Schippert into the
regalia. This plate was the only thing house, and what do we see? Almost
of its kind among the dead man’s ef¬ at onee he had begun to become limde
fects and was carefully wrapped in a —discolored. Yes. I have seen men
cotton rag. Evidently he had re¬ shot with such arrows while I worked
tained it as a souvenir. Those who under the tropic sun, I had handled
knew not the goldsmithing trade in those splinters of death, and had seen
ancient Central America might easily the corpses assume the appearance of
have mistaken the plate for a piece of the long dead almost as I watched
Oriental brass; but I, who know them. When I saw the appearance of
many things, realized it was of solid, the poor Schippert, and beheld the
unalloyed gold, intrinsically worth dart by whieh he died, I say to me,
from five to seven thousand dollars, ‘ This is the answer. This is why the
perhaps, but priceless from the physicians at the coroner's office de¬
anthropologist’s standpoint. clare that my friend, the good Cos¬
“ ‘Now,’ I ask me, ‘what would a tello, speaks words of foolishness
man like this Monsieur Craven, com¬ when he insists Craven was not long
fortably off, but not rich, be doing dead when found.’ Yes.
with such a relic among his things “Also, you have told me of the
unless he himself had brought it missing head. I know from experi¬
from Yucatan?’ ence and hearsay that those Indians
“ ‘Nothing,’ I say to me. do take the heads of their enemies as
“ ‘Quite right,’ I reply. ‘Jules de your Apaches once took the scalps of
Grandin, you do not make mistakes.’ theirs, and preserve them as trophies.
“Also there was the coroner’s re¬ Everything points one way.
port that this Monsieur Deadman “You see, we have these parts of
had been dead for several days when our puzzle”—he checked the facts off
he was found, and your piece of in¬ on his fingers—“a man who brought
telligence that his head have disap¬ a golden plate from Yucatan is found
peared. Also, again, we know from dead in his front yard. He is un-
you and the other officers that he had doubtlessly the victfm of an Indian
not been dead several days, but only blowgun dart, for his appearance and
several hours when discovered. What the dart which we have found too late
is the answer to that? to save the poor Schippert, all say so.
“Helas, we found it out only Very good. No one knew anything
through your poor friend’s death! about him, but he was apparently of
Officer Schippert had pricked himself those fortunate ones who can live in
on what he thought was a thorn—so some comfort without working. From
 CREEPING' SHADOWS 205

this I reason he might once have desperate chances that we turned

possessed, other Indian gold which he back the sale b&che; it was by taking
hasnold. desperate chanees that the peerless
‘ ‘Nbw, while I think of these Wright brothers learned to fly; it was
things, I notice a piece of burned by taking a desperate ehanee that I,
paper in his fireplace, and on it I Jules de Grandin, triumphed I
read these fragments of words: “Friend Symington had heard
or al red its av ot Mur¬ such names. Eight years ago ©ne
phy. Lay low an ... . Michael Murphy had sold the Muse¬
“What does it mean? um a small piece of Mayan jewelry,
“I think some more, and decide a little statuette of hammered rose-
what was written originally was: gold. He had boasted of exploits in
Central America when he obtained
Dear Pal: The red devils have got Mur¬
phy. Lay low and . . .
this statue, told how he, together with
Arthur Craven and Charles Deacons,
“Who are these ‘red devils’? Be¬ had a fortune in bullion within their
cause an Indian dart have killed both grasp, only to lose it when the out¬
Craven and Schippert, must we not raged Indians attacked their camp
assume they are Indians ? I think so. and killed three of their companions.
Most likely they were natives of Yu¬ And that he spoke truth there was
catan who had shipped as Sailors on small doubt, for so greatly did he fear
some tramp steamer and come to this the Indian vengeance that he refused
land to wreak vengeance on those who an offer of five thousand dollars and
despoiled their sacred cities and expenses to guide a party from the
burying places. I have observed Museum to the place where he found
instances of such before. In Paris we the Indian gold.
have known of it, for there is no sort “Very good. We have got the an¬
of crime with which the face of man swer to our questions: ‘Whom have
is blackened which has not been at the “red devils” gotten?’ and ‘Who
least once investigated by the Service wrote the warning letter to Craven?’
de Surete. “But where is this Charles Dea¬
“Now, from all this, it was most cons? In the directory of this city
apparent the writer of this burned there are three of him listed, but only
note had been warning Craven that one of him is labeled as retired, and
one Murphy had been translated to it was to him I looked for further
another—though probably not a light. I assume the Deacons I seek
better—world, and that Craven must lives, as Craven did, on the proceeds
lie low, or he would doubtless share of his thefts. I further assume he
the same fate. So much is plain; but goes in deadly fear of the Indians’
who was Murphy, and who had writ¬ flying vengeance by day and by night.
ten the warning? I find his address here, and”—he
“I decided to shoot at the only tar¬ waved his hand in a gesture of final¬
get in sight. Next day I interviewed ity—“here we come. Voild!”
Dr. Symington, of the New York
I started to put a question, but
Museum of Natural History, asking
him if he remembered Mayan relics Costello was before me.
being bought from a man named Cra¬ “How did ye know th’ murderin’
ven or Murphy, or from anyone who heathens would be here tonight, Dr.
mentioned any of those names in his de Grandin?” he demanded.
conversation. “Eh bien, by elimination, of
“A desperate chance, you say? course,” the Frenchman replied in
But certainly. Yet it was by taking high good humor. “Three men were
 WEIRD TALES

sought by the Indians. Two of them “I care not,” de Grandin respond¬

had already been disposed of, there¬ ed indifferently, “dispose of them as
fore, unless Deacons had already you will.”
fallen to their flying death, they still ‘ ‘ Well, say ’ ’—Deacons suddenly
remained in the vicinity, awaiting a seemed to emerge from his trance,
chance to execute him. We found and advanced toward de Grandin, his
him alive, hence we knew they had lean hand extended—“I cert’ny got
still one-third of their task to per¬ to thank you for pullin’ me out of a
form. So I did bait our trap with jnighty tight hole, sir.”
Deacons’ dummy, for well I knew De Grandin took no notice of the
they would shoot their poisoned darts proffered hand. “Pardieu, Mon¬
at him the moment they saw his sieur,” he responded coldly, “it was
shadow pass the lighted open window. from no concern for you that I un¬
Morbleu, my friend, how near your dertook this night’s work. Those
own foolish courage came to making Indians had slain a friend of my
you, instead, their victim! ’ ’ friend. Sergeant Costello. I came
“Thanks to you, sor, I’m still alive not to save you, but to execute the
an kickin’,” Costello acknowledged. murderers. You were but the stink-
“Shall I be ringin’ th’ morgue wagon ing goat with which our tiger-trap
for th’ fellies ye shot, sor?” was baited. ”

Lake Desolation
By LEAVENWORTH MACNAB

Wan waves lap listlessly the shape-wrapped shore,

Where barren rocks rear shapeless, cold and gray;
Dead-wind echoes make monotonous roar
Amid the sullen, gruesome caves aplay,
Rousing the ghosts of secrets long since dead.
Pale starshine, pure and passionless, looks down
From out her hazy veil, like silvered snow,
Lending her pallid radiance to crown
The desolation broadcast strown below—
Drear desolation, meet but for the dead.
Athwart the pulseless tide a bird of night—
Spirit, perchance, of what trod once as man—
Circles the gloom for aye in aimless flight,
Returning ever where it first began,
Piercing the stillness with weird notes of wo.
The fenlands rank pour forth their pungent breath—
Poisonous breath with "deadly agues fraught—
Whose phosphorescent light, a wraith of death,
Woos wanderers will-o’-the-wisplike to the spot.
Here echoe, too, the night bird’s notes of wo.
“Haynes aimed a blow at something that
swooped with great wings vibrating, and
filling the air with a frightful, menacing
resonance.”

“T OOKS good to me!” said partners had at once deserted the

I Haynes, the taller of the two ruin of their hopes and many a hard-
4 men who had just run their earned dollar. A desperate chance,
little craft into the sheltered cove. but their only one, and this was not
“Me for the hay this night!” the first by many a one of desperate
agreed Manton with hearty satisfac¬ chances calmly taken and in their
tion. passing forgotten.
Three days had elapsed since they, For two monotonous days they had
sole survivors and once proud own¬ in turn steadily sculled on a compass
ers, had abandoned the Tahuana with course—somewhat indefinite of deter¬
its back broken on an uncharted reef mined goal, as was their point of de¬
somewhere south of the Solomons. parture—northward to the Solomons
For the hurricane that had licked and Bougainville; the nearest ap¬
into its maw their crew of three proach to civilization, though almost
Trobiand “boys” had also left the certainly across four hundred miles
Tahuana dismasted, a helpless wreck of seldom-traversed waters. For two
to drift in a dead calm to the one spot days not a breath had stirred the
in that lonely waste where pink coral stagnant molten air, but on the morn¬
and surging seas would seal its fate. ing of the third, nature qiiickened
By a twist of ironical fortune one and from a rapturously hailed cats-
small boat had come unscathed paw it quickly freshened to a brisk
through the storm, and in this the breeze; toward noon it stiffened and a
208 WEIRD TALES

nasty chop commenced to lift, and “I dunno—well, we don’t lose

before long ceaseless bailing alone nothing, that’s a faet, ” growled
sfayed their foundering. Then into Manton with a wry twist of lip at the
the horizon had popped this solitary thought of their shattered fortunes.
island. Some hours later, and only Truly what matter a day more or less
in the nick of time, they had stag¬ to destitute castaways whose only
gered into the sheltered cove. prospect was a dreary beggary on the
As they had seen from afar, no beach of Bougainville until some ves¬
mere surf-drenched atoll this: instead sel, undermanned, contemptuously
stood an odd-shaped boss of reddish shipped them?
rock, rounded and of easy slope save So the matter was settled, and for
at its naked riven summit where steep a little they lay smoking, until the
jagged crags shot up abruptly to sun invaded their retreat. Then they
some five hundred feet above the rose and. with a sudden boyish curias--
beach they trod. Betwixt sea and ity wandered off into the shade of the
summit lay a half-mile breadth of green wall almost encircling them.
palm and sturdy undergrowth, and That the island might be inhabited
beyond, though now invisible, rose appeared improbable, as some keen
the rounded grassy shoulders ascend¬ eye would certainly have noted their
ing to the crown of ragged bluffs. approach and landing, and 'before
“Nuts, shade and water,” grunted this have gleamed with pleasure or
Manton, appreciatively eyeing a little suspicion upon the castaways.
rill that spilled through the greenery Though the bush proved dense, yet
almost to their feet. it was by no means impassable, the
“It’s a peach,” affirmed Haynes. stems standing in clumps of straight
“After that damned two-by-four and pliant texture. But underfoot
cockleshell,” he added with a mari¬ the way was littered with mossy
ner’s inborn groueh for the minor boulders and pitted with hollows that
discomforts and indifference to the the shade of the green matted roof
major perils of his calling. almost veiled, even though the tropic
By now the sun was near to set¬ sun flamed above. Idly prying here
ting, so they hastened about their and there they made their way slow¬
simple preparations for the night. ly through the scrub, loth to leave the
“This,” said Manton after supper, shade, though here the air was dead
slowly puffing clouds of rank sweet and stifling. Shortly the thinning of
smoke from his bearded lips, ‘ ‘ is what the growths and streaks of garish
I call real comfort. ’ ’ light ahead announced the naked ris¬
“My oath!” said Haynes with la¬ ing slopes beyond.
conic contentment. “It’s hot—shade or sun,” growled
Manton.
T heir slumber was untroubled and “Sure,” agreed Haynes indiffer¬
sound as befitted men whose flesh ently, his lean hard flesh less troubled
for two nights had endured the bruis¬ than his great-thewed partner. “But
ing ribs of a craft no larger than a shueks, it’s- Hell! what’s that?”
pleasure skiff on the Hudson. he suddenly exclaimed in surprize.
“Say, what’s the rush?” queried “That” needed no-close scrutiny,
Haynes thoughtfully as, breakfast though the unexpectedness and na¬
over, they sat whittling black trade ture of the object his foot had dis¬
plugs for the morning rite. “I reckon lodged from the deeay and trailing
a day’s rest and another such doss vines underfoot and sent hurtling
will set us up for the stretch to Bou¬ awkwardly a pace ahead was the last
gainville. ’ ’ thing their somewhat unimaginative
 FLY ISLAND 209

minds were that moment expecting. belt buckle, some silver coins and two
For human skulls are neither gracious flat strips of rubber—shoe soles—and
in themselves nor indigenous to un¬ that was all, until Manton made the
inhabited islands. great discovery. Kicked the stuff
“Well, I’m damned!—a skull!” from its rotting bed as he shuffled his
said Manton slowly and with pro¬ feet some paces away and some-small
found conviction, as though he voiced oval lumps appeared and rolled slug¬
a prolonged and expert investigation. gishly to one side. Picking up one of
“Sure it’s a skull. But what is it these he examined it, but with no
—white or nigger?” queried his part¬ great interest, until suddenly his face
ner impatiently. grew startled and alert and rapidly
he cleansed the thing—by the simple
“White and no error!” announced process of wiping it across his stained
Manton, stepping up and turning pants. Then with a hand that slight¬
over the grimy globular thing with ly trembled he raised it to his nose
his foot. “Never a nigger with a and sniffed with intent deliberation,
headland jaw like that,” he added, while Haynes, catching the action,
stating a simple fact, for the yellowed watched him curiously.
bone when clothed in flesh must have
possessed markedly Caucasian fea¬ “It’s 0. K.! It’s the real stuff!”
tures of uncommon virility. he announced solemnly, though his
“Yes, he’s white all right—look suppressed emotion was very obvious.
here! ’ ’ said Haynes, who on his knees “What’s the noise about?” queried
was raking amid the litter and had Haynes blankly.
quickly exposed a raffle of mold-en¬ “Take a squint at it—there’s
crusted bones and as he spoke held something for sore eyes! ’ ’ announced
out a small, curiously hollowed ob¬ Manton almost in a shout.
ject that shone with a dull glow of What Haynes saw as his partner
unmistakable nature. He rubbed it thrust the grimy object upon him
and held it up to his partner. It was was a rough rounded lump rather
gold, a replica of the human jaw done larger than a hen’s egg, gray-white
in gold, with teeth so even and per¬ in hue and soaplike in texture, and
fect that art had but rendered itself entirely uninteresting, though cer¬
nauseating. tainly curious.
“False teeth—a plate—well, I’m “Looks like the soap we used as
damned!” exclaimed Manton, eyeing kids back home,” remarked Haynes,
the thing with surprize and dislike. quite unimpressed and plainly disap¬
“But what the devil was a lone white pointed.
man doing here? I suppose he was ‘ ‘ Soap! a damned high-priced soap.
alone,” he added. Well, lots of guys never handled this
“Likely—guess some poor guy stuff in all their sailing. But I lifted
wrecked like ourselves—took sick a chunk off the beach at Timor and
maybe,” said Haynes slowly and not got four hundred for it, so you
unfeelingly; and without further dis¬ needn’t have no doubts when I tell
cussion they set to rummaging again. you to take a sniff of a lump of real
But here the soil was damp and ambergrease, ’ ’ said Manton with
sticky, for it was a little hollow into prideful certainty.
Which moisture percolated from the ‘ ‘ What! ambergris! ” exclaimed
near-by tiny creek. So whatever the Haynes. “Are you sure?” he added,
garments of the unknown had been, as holding it close to his face he
now they were rotted into the encas¬ caught the peculiar sickly odor which
ing mire and all they garnered was in minute quantities renders it in¬
the horn handle of a sheath-knife, a dispensable to the perfume trade.
210 WEIRD TALES

“Sure!1 just so sure ft at I ain't silence and depression quite unac¬

quitting this rock until I’ve1 gone over countable came upon Haynes.
it with a tooth-eomb and found1 where
this guy lifted it off,” announced I t may have been that an aura of
Manton with stolid decision as one bygone happenings still lingered
after the other he seized upon the around the spot and by some queer
dirty lumps his foot had dislodged, psychological kink found in him a,
and hastily cleansing them-, set them medium keyed to its translation .into
not unlike a- little heap of grime-en¬ tangible expression of the volcanic
crusted potatoes. emotions that had filled to overflow¬
Half an hour later the two men ing the last tense moments of the
relinquished their labors, having mysteriously stricken man—for who
brought to light possibly some twenty shall limit the unplumbed depths, of
pounds weight, mostly in pieces no human consciousness!
larger than a walnut, though a few However, whatever the origin of
odd bits were larger than the original this depression there was born in him
discovery. As was to be expected,, all a great unwillingness to prosecute
had lain as in a nest. the exploration farther, yet having,
“Reckon that’s all the guy was no good reason to oppose the advance
toting—likely in some sort of a sack he silently and gloomily followed his
which rotted' when he cashed in,** partner toward the glare of the open
said Manton, straightening up. and mechanically imitated his ex¬
“Queer, though, that a guy should ample of snapping a twig every mtfw
go- packing that weight when he took and again to blaze a sure return to
sick—must have been a stroke or their lucky discovery, which for lack
something sudden,” said Haynes of a container they temporarily aban¬
thoughtfully. doned; later the bread bag from the
“Well, we needn’t worry—he just camp would serve well for the noble
cashed in, that’s all—but it’s a stroke burden.
of luck for us, nothing less than two- Shortly they stood on the nude,
thousand bucks lying here,”’ replied swelling breast of the bill, here almost
Manton, callously eyeing the pile with devoid of soil where naught but
supreme appreciation. patches of coarse, brittle herbage
“Two thousand! Why, that’s the found sustenance. The wall of j'un-
price of a nifty little craft,”' said gle they had pierced appeared by
Haynes sharply. contrast forbidding and impene¬
‘ ‘ Sure! and if it was twenty thou¬ trable.
sand I wouldn ’t kiek—I got it in my They stood for a moment gazing
head that this is only the tail-end of a across the open to where the fleckless
big cache somewhere on this rock,” blue sky seemed almost to lie on the
growled Manton irritably.. edge of the slope.
“Maybe,” replied Haynes without “That guy must have cut across
enthusiasm, his mind harking back this way from the beach beyond.
again to the enigma of the unknown. ^ Ambergrease ain’t never found ex¬
“AH the same there’s something cept on the- beach or floating,” said
mighty queer about it-—a guy doesn’t the practical Manton.
drop in his tracks like this one with¬ “Queer though—there ain’t a
out a mighty good reason, I feel it thing to hurt a canary here. Yet
in my bones. There’s something toting a pack he drops like a stone, ’ *
which ain’t natural missing from this brooded Haynes persistently.
yarn/’ And despite his partner’s “Well, we got no need to worry
impatience at such mere sentiment a about it—he’s dead meat, we ain't—
 FLY ISLAND 211

Hell! Sheer off!” Manton exclaimed a quality shared by the monstrous

in startled surprize as a shaft of wings, two pairs of bluish, gleaming
speeding light flashed at a tangent to transparency, wings whose homy
their course, with a swish of thrash¬ framework stood out as distinctly as
ing wings so close to his face that in¬ that of an umbrella.
voluntarily his head jerked back as Then like stones they dropped, and
though to eseape the impact of the though amid some taller tussocks yet
fleeing bird. their weight bore down the coarse
“Looks like it’s bad seared,” said herbage and proved no hindrance to
Haynes as both men wheeled instant¬ their fastening on the little heap of
ly to follow the mad flight of a -small green feathers.
island pigeon; and in the same seeond “Eat pigeons! Flies!” said
perceived the cause of its reckless Haynes incredulously.
daring. For just behind and a trifle “I’m going to smash them any¬
higher followed two scintillating way ! ’ ’ declared Manton angrily.
streaks going at the same terrific And filled with an unreasoning re¬
pace. Things a good foot in length, sentment at such undreamt-of freaks
thin, and of an intense metallic blue; the two men strode rapidly to within
things that sped with wings vibrating a few paces of the intently occupied
so rapidly that merely a blur of brutes. Then doubt assailed Haynes
glinting beams flickered above them, and halting he caught his partner by
as invisible as the wing-beat of a the arm.
poised humming-bird. But these “Hold on, Manton! Say, looks like
things were shaped as bird never was, these things are poisonous—the way
and though by reason of their pace that pigeon dropped,” he exclaimed
impossible to descry with any clarity, in a low, dubious voice as they came
yet the impression received by each to a halt.
astounded wateher was identical and “Dunno; maybe they are too,” ad¬
expressed instantly. mitted Manton uneasily. “And we’ve
“Flies!” cried Haynes in blank got not even a stick to shoo them off
amazement. —might be wise to get a couple of
“Or else my eyes are on the switches from the bush, eh?” he
blink!” cried Manton incredulously. queried with indecision.
And as he uttered the words, as “I reekon so—look out! they’re
though to deny the implication, there up! ” cried Haynes as the eolossal in¬
came a sudden hawklike acceleration sects suddenly darted upward several
of the pursuers as they swooped on feet and with deep, droning, pul¬
the racing splash of green, and sating wings hovered restlessly over
gleaming blue obliterated it. Then the spot..
the tangle burst apart and a ball of That the close approach of the men
green pitched with convulsive ftutter- had aroused resentment was instantly
ings to the ground and lay there mo¬ obvious, for after a few seconds of in¬
tionless. decisive reconnoitering there com¬
“A foot long! Flies!” muttered menced the savage circling of attack,
Haynes with his eyes glued on the sufficiently nerve-racking to the ob¬
now leisurely hovering slayers. ject of a hornet’s wrath, but now a
“Flies sure enough!” said Manton hundred times more terrorizing.
in a tone of complete bewilderment. Apart from their almost certain
Truly there could be little doubt of venom, the momentary glimpse af¬
the classification, for now could be forded of their grimly efficient
plainly noted the long bisected trunks mandibles, an inch long and broad at
and their metallie-lustered nakedness, the base as the jaws of a small pair of
212 WEIRD TALES

wire-cutters, set in the flat, indigo- for other than the loud buzzing fiends
hued head and flanked by a pair of that incessantly circled in flashing
yellow, tigerish eyes reflecting rays shafts of metallic iridescence as the
from multitudinous facets; these vicious brutes swept around and over
things alone were sufficient to cast a and crisscrossed their elliptoid path at
chill of fear on the hardiest. lightning speed as they sought to
Abruptly there came a mad rush penetrate the desperate defense of
to the wall of bush they had just left their quarry.
as a wave of panic swept upon the Fortunate it was they were igno¬
two men, yet curiously mingled ran rant of this new accession to their
a thread of almost wrathful con¬ foes, for the knowledge must assured¬
tempt : after all, these’ things were no ly have completed their demoraliza¬
more than mere insects, unique and tion, and a single second’s slackening
colossal though they were—but that of their defensive would have afford¬
pigeon! instantly slain! Something ed the savage brutes their opportun¬
incredibly deadly had been at work ity. What that would entail there
there. was no saying, there was no prece¬
Savagely thrashing around with dent to work upon with surety; only
their battered wide-brimmed hats, their colossal size, the instantaneous
the men tore for the jungle. It was slaying of the pigeon and the analogy
not more than fifty paces distant, and of the comparatively insignificant
with the insects held at bay by the hornet with its painful virulence, its
vigorous flailing, it is quite possible directness of attack and its total in¬
that they would have reached sanctu¬ difference to the mere bulk of the ob¬
ary unharmed. That is, had two been ject of its wrath, and a like intense
the only foes to reckon with, but such savagery and carnivorous voracity;
was not the case, and only blind only by these points of marked re¬
chance succored the fugitives from semblance could any conception be
catastrophe. For they had covered formulated of the possible, and very
barely a dozen paces when, probably probable, magnification of such
aroused by the commotion, from a malignant potentialities in these
point close to the edge of the jungle unique and monstrous things. The
there arose some half a dozen of like one chance in a million that inter¬
gigantic insects. For a second they vened, fate proffered in a humble
hung stationary and facing the pur¬ guise.
suit, as though intelligently survey¬ There came a rustling and move¬
ing the situation, then with the ment amid the coarse herbage as the
astounding foresight of a coursing great droning swept by, a sudden
greyhound they darted off at a tan¬ halt of the covey, and then like the
gent to the course of the racing men, strike of a hawk they shot downward
obviously bent on intercepting them. and with unerring aim lit squarely
Their flight was almost like the upon a large island rat; there came
flight of an arrow, and the fate of the the horrible rat shriek of pain, si¬
fugitives was apparently sealed, a lenced abruptly as the huge insects
mere matter of seconds, for there tore their victim into shreds, gouging
could be no least prospect of combat¬ the hot flesh from the quivering body
ting such an array of assailants when with their terrible jaws with incred¬
already a couple of these malignant ible rapidity and savagery. In a few
brutes were only just held at bay. moments naught but gleaming pink
Of this fresh menace the panic- bones remained, and of these many of
stricken men were unwitting; they the more fragile had been cut clean
had neither ears, eyes, nor thought in two by some eager pair of man-
 FLY ISLAND 213

dibles that, shearing through the en¬ “Hell! there’s a bunch of them
casing flesh, had not halted there. and they’ve scented us!” exclaimed
The feast ended, they remained a Haynes savagely. Then, as by the
moment quietly cleansing their limbs, lessening and spasmodic volume of
a simple process of drawing them sound they knew, the great insects
gently through the slightly opened were alighting on the tangle above.
terrible jaws, as in like manner any “My oath! if they were to wiggle
of the wasp tribe may be often noted. through! say, we better beat it to
Then as a unit they shot upward, and camp and get off this damned rock!”
as if some memory of a previous he added in an angry whisper.
objective had been retained, circled “Reckon so; but I ain’t going to
several times in widening circumfer¬ leave two thousand bucks for no
ence before taking flight to join the bloody flies. We can pick it up as
couple that now were flitting to and we go, it ain’t more than a step out
frb above the roof of jungle, under of the way, ’ ’ declared Manton firmly.
which the fugitives had gained refuge “That’s so—two thousand don’t
from their pursuers, the tangled net¬ grow on every bush.. Come on—step
work of greenery constituting an im¬ easy, maybe we can ditch that
penetrable barrier to such wide- and bunch, ’ ’ cautioned Haynes in a whis¬
brittle-winged creatures. per. And instantly crouching low
and moving softly the men made off
“r-pHAT was a dose call,” growled
in the direction of their find. But to
A Manton. “But it beats me— their dismay they quickly discovered
sounds like a kid’s fairy yam,” he that no matter what the care exer¬
added, drawing his hand across his cised, it was impossible to make pas¬
forehead and flicking aside a spray sage through the jungle without im¬
of sweat. parting a continual swaying and
“You’ve said it—no more for mine. tremor to the springy slender limbs
Ambergris or no, I’m through,” and dense foliage above, and from
affirmed Haynes sourly as he peered their first step the thrumming leapt
here and there amid the clusters of again to life and thereafter accom¬
thin pliant stems. Well within the panied their every step.
saving shelter they had come to a “Well, how the devil are we going
halt, and now in a little depression to tote the stuff?” queried Haynes,
lay panting; days of cramped misery irritably staring at the little heap of
in a small craft are ill training for a dirty lumps.
race such as theirs.
“Stow it in our shirts, I reckon, as
“Seems like I heard a big buzzing we ain’t got a bag like this guy.”
a little ways off,” affirmed Haynes Abruptly he fell silent and a look of
uneasily. quickening horror crept into his
“Maybe—reckon those two ain’t eyes. ‘ ‘ By God! that’s it! They got
the only ones on this blasted rock,” him!” said he slowly, while Haynes
agreed Manton, scowling at the
stared a moment from the scattered
thought. “And there they are—listen
to that, will you,” he added in a yellowed bones to the frowning face
hushed, startled tone. of his partner. The thing was so
There was no need to listen, it was obvious, it fitted in so completely with
impossible to miss the swelling, the otherwise inexplicable facts of
thrumming, coming nearer and near¬ the case, and except that their own
er as the partners gazed with alarm peril had so far absorbed their en¬
at the thickly laced limbs and green¬ tire thoughts, the discovery would
ery overhead. have been forced upon them before.
214 WEIRD ‘ TALES

“Likely he had not gone fifty feet practical scheme of escape from the
when it killed him!” exclaimed unique trap into which they had been
Haynes in a horrified whisper, allud¬ driven. And as the moments sped,
ing to the fact that this was about each realized more fully the hope¬
the distance to the open hillside. lessness of their plight as now and
“They sting—and you finish?” again there swept up a fresh wave of
muttered Manton. the vicious sound, for which there
“I reckon that’s the way it goes,” could be but one explanation, the
said Haynes very quietly. coming of new reinforcements of the
malignant brutes.
“Maybe if we waited till dark?”
he queried. They came in ones and twos as
“And how are we going through though stray foragers had been at¬
this mess in the dark? And that’s tracted by the commotion at the spot,
not the name for it after sundown,” and shortly there must have been
growled Manton sneeringly. assembled fully a dozen of the in¬
sects; a fact of which the beset were
The truth of the objection could fully cognizant.
not be gainsaid; in silence the two
men stared blankly at each other. “Something has got to be done
quick—the longer we stop the . worse
“But—you mean to say-?” off we are,” exclaimed Manton in a
said Haynes with an odd catch in his spasm of wrath. “If we only had a
voice. dog or something to tie up while we
“That’s so — they’ve got us made our getaway!” he snarled in
cinched,” replied Manton shortly, impotent anger.
even coolly, his phlegmatic nature “Eh! a dog?” said Haynes and
seemingly less perturbed than the paused while a flash of inspiration
finer-fibered Haynes. dawned in his light blue eyes, as his
“Well, we are in a hole!” said partner’s random thought flung open
Haynes angrily. His nerves were on the portals of an inner consciousness
edge and a dull resentment at his far more acute than his normal men¬
partner’s lack of emotion came upon tal plane. “We ain’t got a dog, but
him. there’s two of us-” Again he
“Well, there ain’t no use taking paused.
them to camp with us; might as well “Sure, there’s two of us—but what
stop here—maybe they’ll forget it are you driving at ? Oh, I get you—
and quit,” observed Manton, though one of us hikes off taking these blast¬
his tone held no great optimism. ed things with him while the other
“We've got to sit down and think it beats it down to the camp and shoves
out—though I’m damn hungry right off—but what about the guy who
now,” he added very sourly. stops?” queried Manton with a puz¬
Haynes stared at his partner, the zled frown.
idea of hunger had not yet occurred “The only thing I can figure out is
to him, but at once a desire for food he's got to take a chance on it. The
came upon him; the more intensely boat can stand on and off till dark,
so that an appalling vista of an in¬ then creep back and the guy must
definitely prolonged incarceration be handy in the bush and make a
lacking even an ounce of provender rush for it. No reason why he
instantly flashed before his horrified shouldn’t pull through, likely they’ll
inner vision. be sort of dozy after dark, and there
For a little neither uttered another ain’t a fly that’s stuck on salt water.
word; each sat in moody contempla¬ Anyway it’s the best lineup we got,”
tion, racking his brains to discover a asserted Haynes feverishly. ?.'t
 FLY ISLAND 215

“Maybe you’re right—we’ve got “It’s up to you. But for God’s

to do something or the air will be sake get off—every minute counts
lousy with the bloody things. Let her now,” exclaimed Haynes angrily..
rip—who’s stopping?’’ he asked
gruffly. F rom where he stood, Haynes for a
“Well—it looks like you were— moment could trace the progress
you see I’m slim, you ain’t, you’d of his partner by the deliberate heed¬
shake the brush like a bull going lessness of his going; and with him
through it, where I’d hardly make a went the hateful droning, though
leaf move—so I guess it’s up to me to soon but a resonant murmur as
take a chance at being stung. How¬ distance intervened, until it was en¬
ever, I’m agreeable whichever way it tirely submerged in the brooding si¬
is,” declared Haynes quickly, with lence that seemed to the listener to
an attempt at indifference his eager¬ have closed in upon him. Then with
ness but crudely simulated, though feverish alertness he commenced his
as a statement of simple fact his own retreat, and bending low, he
words admitted of no refutation and crept from the spot, a foot at a time
received the instant concurrence of and often halting to listen intently
Manton. for the dread evidence of malignant
“I reckon you’re right,” said he pursuit; but never the faintest sound
simply. “Well, that’s settled. Better of the vicious creatures came to him,
beat it pronto! Give me ten minutes and gradually his face cleared of the
start to trail these damned things terrible tension that had possessed it,
off—I’ll angle around the hill. If and his movements from a furtive
you make it, draw in as close as you crawl became a rapid though careful
can about dusk and I’ll be waiting passage that clove the masses of pli¬
at the edge of the brush, one whistle ant growths with a touch so deft that
from each will do. Of course we can’t there remained barely a quiver to evi¬
tell a thing about what’s going to hap¬ dence his going.
pen, there ain’t no sailing directions “Clear of that hell’s roost! beat
on this traverse. Just one sure them to it!” cried Haynes exulting-
thing-” He stopped hesitantly for ly, as he mopped the dripping sweat
a second, then roughly thrust out his from his begrimed face with one
hand. “So long, mate,” he added ragged sleeve, and through the other
gruffly, and Haynes, extending his shook a trembling fist at the dull
long sinewy hand, nervously grasped green wall that wound its solid front
for a second his partner’s thick¬ in sinuous course around the island
muscled fingers, saying hastily, “At contour.
dusk, mate—if I get through.” “You blasted freaks! you-” he
Then Manton, on the point of swore with intense bitterness; then,
wheeling around, suddenly halted words failing him, he relapsed into a
and exclaimed, “If we ain’t forgot wrathful mumbling as he shipped the
that muck!” as he nodded toward sculls in their rowlocks, and with
the little pyramid of dirty lumps. long vigorous strokes pulled seaward
“The ambergris? let it stay! I until nearly half a mile lay between
can’t pack it anyway,” snapped him and the terrible rock.
Haynes impatiently.
“No, that’s so, you’ve got to go Although he had been expecting
light. But I ’ll slide back and pick it the whistle, yet its actual hap¬
up—load it in njy shirt—two thou¬ pening sped a stab of unreasoning
sand is two thousand,” said Manton terror through his high-tuned nerves.
almost apologetically. It was now almost dark—that is, as
216 WEIRD TALES

dark as a tropic moon in its second voice in the darkness very sharply
quarter will admit—and from the and even angrily.
approach of dusk he had timed his “For Cod’s sake don’t talk so
return so that when the crucial mo¬ loud! Do you want the whole bunch
ment came barely a glimmer of un¬ down on us?” said Haynes fiercely
necessary light should favor a pos¬ in a tremulous whisper. “Anyway
sible attaek by the terrible brutes. you’ve got to take to the water; I
Luckily the night, though moonlit, aim’t going to shove one of these
had the edge shorn from its brilliance bloody roeks through her for no
by a singularly fortunate haze, or one,” he added more soberly and
rather solidity of the atmosphere, that firmly.:
had for some houns been impercep¬ “Rocks?—that’s so, you’re right.
tibly gathering. Indeed, the weather- I can wade out waist-deep anyhow,
wise eye of the solitary man had and you come in that far—go Mow
almost unconsciously sensed its pres¬ and you’ll be all right, ” called back
ence and the peculiar greenish hue of Manton, his wrath appeased at this
the blurred horizon, and with a natural and seamanlike explanation.
moody shake of his head he had mut¬
tered, '“Something dirty brewing, or “Say when,” said Haynes nervous¬
I’m no sailorman,” a premonition of ly, and after a second’s pause, “Here
impending trouble quickly sub¬ goes! come right in, ’ ’ came instantly
merged in, the more pressing and a hoarse whisper, and immediately
greater peril. followed a slight rustling of the
brush, succeeded by a hasty stum¬
Within fifty feet of the Mack mass bling step over the boulders that
of low bluff and wall of jungle he strewed the beach at the spot, and in
had stopped softly the way of the a seeond the sound of a heavy body
craft, which was now drifting very splashing through the water. Even
slowly shoreward. Now that a dead then the man in the boat sat motion¬
calm had succeeded the blow, only the less, his body strained forward, in¬
ceaseless mournful swish of the tently listening and fearfully hesi¬
miniature breakers broke the pro¬ tant. He sal still as a figure of stone,
found silence of the sultry darkness, until another sound burst into the
and Manton’s Whistle had sounded as silent, stifling night; a sound that
though its author might well have galvanized the seated figure with a
been imagined within hand’s grasp of violent tremor. A dreaded resonance
the craft’s stem, and the voice that so horrifying in its malignant prom¬
called quietly held the same queer ise that for a moment he was in¬
acoustic quality. capable of speech or voluntary move¬
“It’s all right, Haynes!” said the ment. Nor did Manton’s loud hail
restore his shattered mentality.
invisible speaker. “I ain’t heard a
“Haynes! they’re on the move!
thing since sundown. Keep right on
Come in quiek before they scent us!
the way you are; if I hear a sound
They’re over the bush. Quick!” he
I’ll hail you.”
cried loudly, abandoning all caution
“Right, but you might swim out a in the extreme peril of his position.
little way, these blasted sculls creak But no response came from the
so—might roust them out,” came the dark blotch which even his keen vi¬
reply in a querulous and irritable sion with difficulty identified as their
whisper, as after a couple of cautious craft—for now the strange murk had
strokes the speaker lay on his oars. almost obscured the moonlight, and
“Come oat! I .ain’t no fish, and the nearest objects were but darker
you know it, Haynes!” cried the blurs of indeterminate nature. At
 PLY ISLAND 217

this immobility a sudden doubt some huge rodent in the extremity of

struck home to him. fear and anguish.
“Haynes! What’s the matter? The end came as suddenly as the
Why don’t you come in? I can’t go commencement, the frightful sound
no farther,” he hailed anxiously. suddenly ceased, as though cut by a
Then the seated man awoke to vol¬ knife, and Manton, crouching to his
canic life, every muscle and sinew in^ chin in the still water, heard instant¬
his spare hard flesh tensed with the ly the crash of a falling body, a heavy
rigidity of a tightly wound steel lifeless crash as of one collapsing
spring, as he snatched at the sculls without effort, or thought to ease the
and drove the blades deep into the impact.
heavy black water, and at gathering “My God! they’ve got him!” he
speed urged the boat seaward! For exclaimed in a whisper hoarse with
terror, unreasoning frantic terror emotion; and as the words escaped his
had taken possession of him; escape, lips there came from the darkness an
at any price, was the sole instinct intermittent moaning and whimper¬
surging madly in his chaotic con¬ ing. Once, twice, thrice, it came
sciousness, and every other thought through the stifling void, and then
or emotion had been swept away by there was silence, not even a murmur
the terror of that awful thrumming. of the hateful droning that had been
The cry of amazement and wrath that fitfully audible as a diabolical accom¬
came from Manton went entirely un¬ paniment.
heeded, as it was, save unconsciously, And as this, too, ceased, then de¬
unheard. spair gripped at the listener, and
“You ain’t leavin’ me! are you?” very quietly and coolly he arose and
boomed the great voice of Manton. plodded deliberately shoreward mut¬
Then in a few seconds, it being tering audibly as he went.
obvious that such was indeed the case, “Well, that’s the finish, I reckon—
his wrath flared to a white heat. boat gone, grub gone, stranded on
“You white-livered dog! if I had a this blasted rock with sure death
gun I’d get you—a thing like you waiting. May as well get me now as
ain’t fit to live. You-” later—there’s no wedding bells in
this yam for me.”
And then his voice was drowned
in the shrill screaming that suddenly And so he reached again the beach,
broke out from the seaward. High- and greatly to his surprize slid into
pitched, frantic screams of insane ter¬ the inky shelter of the jungle unmo¬
ror, intermingled with the crashing lested.
of wood against wood, as though And as he gained the shelter, na¬
someone were flailing around him ture awoke from her drugged somno¬
with a heavy object desperately, reck¬ lence.
lessly, and unheeding where his blows A vast stirring and sighing shud¬
might land. dered through the heavy air, as there
Which is exactly what was happen¬ passed the first warning of the com¬
ing, for Haynes, upright in the boat, ing upheaval.
was aiming viciously at a something
in the darkness; a something that
swooped with great wings vibrating,
A ll that night the hurricane en¬
dured, and dawn disclosed its
and filling the air with a frightful, terrific violence; the jungle lay.in
menacing resonance. swaths of indescribable and splin¬
And all the while came that cease¬ tered wreckage, an encircling barrier
less, horrible animal screaming, as of impassable to man or beast, yet from
218 WEIRD TALES

it crawled a haggard and disheveled All that night, wet and cold to the
figure—Manton. bone, Manton had lain in the lee of
Stolid and deliberate as ever, calm¬ a providential boulder, but, now that
ly he surveyed the heaving expanse of the boat and provender were re¬
tremendous seas; stared thoughtfully gained, calm and stolidly hopeful.
from the wild sea to the now calm The second dawn found him launch¬
blue sky, and growled.
ing the frail shell, a task his great
“Another twenty-four hours and
there won’t be nothing but a swell thews made light of. True, only a
on—it’ll be soon enough to chance single scull had been regained, but
it.’’ Then turning landward he with the seaman’s handiness he had,
gazed grimly at the work of the the previous day, laboriously whittled
storm, and, as men of sociable tem¬ and trimmed with his sheath-knife a
perament will when solitary and very fair substitute from a fair-sized
under the stress of emotion, again growth.
spoke aloud. Sped by his powerful strokes, tile
“If it wasn’t for the lee of that craft took the water, and soon the
boulder I’d be lying there too. Any¬ island was receding into the speckless
way the blow chased those bloody blue background.
things to perdition out of it—guess Later he slackened his efforts, and
they won’t trouble me now, if I holding no more than way on the
don’t flag them.” craft as it rose and sank over the
The supposition was not unlikely,
crests and valleys of the huge smooth
as these lightly framed monsters
swell, stared with scowling wrath at
must have been driven far in the
first blast that had leapt out of the the evil spot where fate had smiled
darkness and screamed across the so fairly as though to hide the deadly
island. And with it had come ashore, malice in her heart.
bottom up, the little craft, straight “God!” he muttered. “To think
to the grasp of Manton, who, fore¬ that hell lies there—and Haynes is
seeing such a providential chance, lying somewhere among the coral,
was instantly again waist-deep in the fathoms deep! Poor guy, I guess he
swirling waters. wasn’t to blame—but his nerve broke.
Lit by the continuous lightning, Poor guy! I ain’t no judge and jury
there was just time for a Samson —and we with two thousand to rig us
such as Manton to run the craft up anew!” he said mournfully,
ashore high and dry in a sheltered glancing at a small bundle tightly
comer of the cove and sling the lashed under the stem seat.
meager outfit alongside; luckily “Well, so long, mate; you ain’t to
Haynes, in his insane terror, had not blame. So—long,” he called gravely
spared the time to ship a single and even gently, then resumed his
article. long, methodical stroke.
 1. Statement of Horace Randall, plied as I slid into my dressing gown

S Psychanalysist
OMEONE rapped loudly on the
door of my bedroom. It was
and reached for a cigar.
The door opened to admit a thin
shaft of light and a young man so
incredibly emaciated that I stared at
past midnight but I had been him in horror. He was six feet tall
unable to sleep and I welcomed the and extremely broad-shouldered, but
disturbance. I don’t think he weighed one hun¬
“Who’s there?” I asked. dred pounds. As he approached me
“A young man what insists on be¬ he staggered and leaned against the
ing admitted, sir,” replied the rau¬ wall for support. His eyes fairly
cous voice of my housekeeper. “A blazed. It was obvious that some
young man—and very thin and pale tremendous idea swayed him. I
he is, sir—what _ says he’s business gently indicated a chair and he col¬
what won’t wait. ‘He’s in bed,’ I lapsed into it.
says, but then he says as how you’re For a moment he sat and surveyed
the only doctor what can help him me.. When I offered him a cigar he
now. He says as how he hasn’t slept brushed it aside with a gesture of
or ate for a week, and he ain’t noth¬ contempt.
ing but a boy, sir f” “Why should I poison my body
“Tell him he' can come in,” I re¬ with such things?” he snapped, “ife-
219
220 WEIRD TALES

bacco is for weaklings and chil¬ “A conservative course of treat-:

dren.” ment-” I began.
I studied him curiously. He was ‘ ‘ I want no treatment, ” he shout¬
apparently an extraordinary young ed, and then, in a less agitated
man. His forehead was high and voice, “You would be surprized, per¬
broad, his nose was curved like a haps, if I told you my name!”
simitar, and his lips were so tightly “What is your name?” I asked.
compressed that only a thin line in¬
dicated his mouth. “Arthur St. Amand,” he replied,
I waited for him to speak, but si¬ and stood up.
lence enveloped him like a rubber I was so astonished that I dropped
jacket. “I shall have to' break the my cigar. I may even add that I
ice somehow,” I reflected; and then was momentarily awed. Arthur St:
suddenly I heard myself asking: Amand!
‘‘You have something to tell me— ‘ ‘ Arthur St. Amand, ’ ’ he repeated.
some confession, perhaps, that you “You are naturally amazed.to dis¬
wish to make to me?” cover that the pale, harassed and
My question aroused him. His half-insane youth that you see before
shoulders jerked, and he leaned for¬ you was once called the peer of New¬
ward, gripping both arms of his ton and Leonardo Da Vinci. You are
chair. “I have been robbed of my amazed to discover that the starving -
birthright,” he said. ‘‘I am a man lad with an inferiority-complex was
of genius, and once, for a brief mo¬ once feted by kings and praised by
ment, I had power—tremendous men whose lightest words will go
power. Once I projected my per¬ thundering down Time. It is all so
sonality before vast multitudes of amazing and so uproariously funny,
people, and every word that I ut¬ but the tragedy remains. Like Dr.
tered increased my fame and flat¬ Faustus I once looked upon the face
tered my vanity.” of God, and now I’m less than any
He was trembling and shaking so schoolboy.”
violently that I was obliged to rise “You are still very young,” I
and lay a restraining hand upon his gasped. “You can’t be more than
shoulder. “Delusions of magnifi¬ twenty-four.”
cence,” I murmured, “undoubtedly “I am twenty-three,” he said. “It
induced by a malignant inferiority- was precisely three years ago that I
complex.”
published my brochure on etheric vi¬
“It is not that,” he snapped. “I
brations. For six months I lived in
am a poet, an artist, and I have
a blaze of glory. I was the marvel¬
within me a tremendous force that
must be expanded. The world has ous boy of the scientific world, and
denied me self-expression through then that Frenchman advanced his
legitimate channels and now I am theory——”
justified in hating the world. Let “I suppose you mean Monsieur
society beware!” Paul Rondoli,” I interrupted. “I re¬
He threw back his /head and call the sensation his startling refu¬
laughed. His hilarity seemed to in¬ tation made at the time. He com¬
crease the tension that had somehow pletely eclipsed you in the popular
crept into the room. mind, and later the scientific world
“Call me a madman if you will,” declared you a fraud. Your star set
he exclaimed, “but I crave power. I very suddenly.”
can not rest until my name is on a “But it will rise again,” exclaimed
million lips.” my young visitor. “The world will
 THE MAN WITH A THOUSAND LEGS 221

discuss me again, and this time I the beach. All bathing parties have
shall not be forgotten. I shall prove been abandoned, and even the chil¬
my theory. I shall demonstrate dren sit about sad-eyed and dejected.
that the effect of etheric vibration No footprints were found on the
on single cells is to change—to sands near the spot where the child
change-He hesitated and then was last seen. . . .
suddenly shouted, “But no, I shall not July 23. Another child has dis¬
tell you. I shall tell no one. I came appeared, and this time the abductor
here tonight to unburden my mind left a clue. A young man’s walking
to you. At first I thought of going stick and hat were found near the
to a priest. It is necessary that I scene of a violent struggle. The sand
should confess to someone. for yards around was stained with
“When my thoughts are driven in blood. Several mothers left the New
upon themselves they become mon1 Beach Hotel this morning with their
strous. I have an active and terrible children.
brain, and I must speak out occa¬ July 24. Elsie came this morn¬
sionally. I chose you because you ing. A new crime occurred at the
are a man of intelligence and dis¬ very moment of her arrival, and I
crimination and you have heard scarcely had the heart to explain the
many confessions. But I shall not situation to her. My paleness evi¬
discuss etheric vibrations with you. dently frightened her. ‘ ‘ What is the
When you see It you will under¬ matter?” she asked; “you look ill.”
stand.’ ’ “I am ill,” I replied. “I saw, some¬
He turned abruptly and walked thing dreadful on the beach this
out of the room and out of my house morning.” “Good heavens!” she
without once looking back. I never exclaimed; “have they found one of
saw him again. the children?” It was a great relief
to me that she had read about the
2. Diary of Thomas Shiel, Novelist children in the New York papers:
and Short-Story Writer “ No, ” I said. ‘ * They didn’t find the
children, but they found the body of
TJLY 21. This is my fourth day a man and he didn’t have a drop of
at the beach. I’ve already gained blood in him. He had been drained
three pounds, and I’m so sunbaked dry. And all about his body the in¬
that I frightened a little girl when vestigators found curious little
I went swimming this morning. She mounds of yellowish slime—of ooze.
was building sand castles and when When the sunlight struck this sub¬
she saw me she dropped her shovel stance it glittered.” “Has it been
and ran shrieking to her mother. examined under a miscroscope ? ”
“Horrible black man!’’ she shouted. asked Elsie. “They are examining
I suppose she thought I was a genie it now,” I explained. “We shall
out of the Arabian Nights. It’s know the results by this evening.”
pleasant here—I’ve almost got the “God pity iis all,” said Elsie, and
evil taste of New York out of my she staggered and nearly fell. I was
mouth. Elsie’s coming down for the obliged to support her as we entered
week-end. the hotel.
July 22. The little girl I fright¬ July 25. Two curious develop¬
ened yesterday has disappeared. The ments. The chemist who examined
police are searching for her and it the jellyish substance found near the
is generally believed that she has body on the beach declares that it is
been kidnaped. The unfortunate oc¬ living protoplasm, and he has sent it
currence has depressed everyone at to the Department of Health for
222 WEIRD TALES

classification by one of their expert purple anemones in itf sir. But up

biologists. And a deep pool some until last week I alius knowed what
eight yards in diameter has been dis¬ I’d bring up. Onet or twice I used
covered in a rock fissure about a to get somethin’ a bit out o’ the or¬
mile from the New Beach Hotel, dinary, such as a bleedin’-tooth shell
which evidently harbors some queer or a headless worm with green suek-
denizens. The water in this pool is ers in its tail and lookin’ like the
as black as ink and strongly saline. devil on a Sunday outin’ or a
The pool is eight or ten feet from the knowin’- lookin’ skate what ud glare
ocean, but it is affected by the tides and glare at me, sir. But never
and descends a foot every night and nothin’ like this thing, sir. I caught
morning. This morning one of the it on the top o’ its head and it had
guests of the hotel, a young lady the most human-lookin’ eyes I ever
named Clara Phillips, had come upon , saw. They were blue and soulless,
the pool quite by accident, and being sir. It spat at me, and I throws
fascinated by its sinister appearance down my line and beats it. I beats
had decided to sketch it. She had it, sir. Then I hears it come lum¬
seated herself on the rim of the rock bering after me over the beach. It
fissure and was in the act of sketch¬ made a funny gulpin’ noise as if it
ing in several large boulders and a was a-lickin’ its chops.”
strip oi beach when something made
a curious noise beneath her. “Gulp,” TILY 26. Elsie and I are leaving
it said. “Gulp!” She gave a little tomorrow. I’m on the verge of a
cry and jumped up just in time to lethal collapse, felsie stutters when¬
escape a long golden tentacle which ever she tries to talk. I don’t blame
slithered toward her over the rocks. her for stuttering but I can’t under¬
The tentacle protruded from the stand why she wants to talk at all
very center of the pool, out of the after what we’ve seen. . . There
black water, and it filled her with are some things that can only be
unutterable loathing. She stepped expressed by silence.
quickly forward and stamped upon
The local chemist got a report this
it, and her attack was so sudden that
morning from the Board of Health.
the thing was unable to flip away
The stuff found on the beach con¬
from her and escape back into the
sisted of hundreds of cells very much
water. And Miss Phillips was an
like the cells that compose the hu¬
amazingly strong young woman. She
ground the end of the tentacle into man body. And yet they weren’t
a bloody pulp with her heel. Then human cells. The biologists were
she turned and ran. She ran as she completely mystified by them, and a
had not run since her “prep” school small culture is now on its way to
days. But as she raced across the Washington, and another is being
soft beach she fancied she eould hear sent to the American Museum of
a monstrous, lumbering something Natural History.
pursuing her. It is to her credit that This morning the local authorities
she did not look back. investigated the curious black pool
And this is the story of little in the rocks. Elsie and I and most
Harry Doty. I offered him a beauti¬ of the other vacationists were on
ful new dime, but he told it to me hand to watch operations. Thomas
gratis. I give it in his own words. Wilshire, a member of the New Jer¬
“Yes sir, I’ve always knowed sey constabulary, threw a plummet
about that pool. I used to fish for line into the pool and we all watched
erabs and sea-eucumbers and big, it eagerly as it paid out. “A hun-
 THE MAN WITH A THOUSAND LEGS 223

dred feet/’' murmured Elsie as the lips. “There’s something m that

police looked at one another m pool,” he finished. “Our friend’s
amazement. “It probably went into life has not been given in vain. ”
the sea,” someone exclaimed. “I I had an absurd desire to punch
don’t think the pool itself is that his fat, triumphant face, and might
deep.” Thomas Wilshire shook his have done so, but a scream from the
head. “There’s queer things in that others quelled the impulse.
pool/' he said. “I don’t like the “Look,” cried Elsie. She was
looks of it.” pointing at the black surface of the
The diver was a bristling, brave pooh It was changing color. Slowly
little man with some obseure nervous it was assuming a reddish hue; and
affliction that made him tremble vio¬ then a hellish something shot up and
lently. “You’ll have to go down at bobbed for a moment on its surface.
once, ’ ’ said Wilshire. The diver “A human arm f” groaned Elsie and
shook his head and shuffled his feet. hid her face in her hands. Wilshire
‘1 Get him into his suit, boys! ” or¬ whistled softly. Two more objeets
dered Wilshire, and the poor wretch joined the first and then something
was lifted bodily upon strong shoul¬ round which made Elsie stare and
ders and transformed into a loath¬ stare through the spaces between her
some, goggle-eyed monster. fingers.
In a moment he had advanced to “Come *away!” I commanded.
the pool and vanished into its sin¬ “Come away at once.” I seized her
ister black depths. Two men worked by the arm and was in the act of
valiantly at the pumps, while Wil¬ forcefully leading her from the edge
shire nodded sleepily and scratched of that dreadful charnel, for eharnel
his ehin. “I wonder what he’ll it had become, when I was arrested
find,” he mused. “Personally, I by a shout from Wilshire.
don’t think he’s got much chance of “Look at it! Look at it!” he
ever coming up. I wouldn’t be in yelled. “That’s the horrid thing.
his shoes for all the money in the God, it isn’t human!” .
United States mint. ” We both turned back and stared.
After several minutes the rubber There are blasphemies of creation
tubing began to jerk violently. ‘ ‘ The that ean not be described, and the
poor lad!” muttered Wilshire. “I thing which rose up to claim the es¬
knew he didn’t have a chance. Pull, caping fragments of its dismantled
boys, pull!”. prey was of that order. I remember
The tubing was rapidly pulled in. vaguely, as in a nightmare of Tar¬
There was. nothing attached to it, but tarus, that it had long golden arms
the lower portion was covered with which shone and sparkled in the sun¬
glittering golden slime. Wilshire light, and a monstrous curved beak
picked up the severed end and exam¬ below two piercing blade eyes in
ined it casually. “Neatly clipped,” which I saw nothing but unutterable
he said. “The poor devil!” malice.
The rest of us looked at one an¬ The idea of standing there and
other in horror. Elsie grew so pale watching it munch the fragmentary
that I thought she was about to remains of the poor little diver was
faint. Wilshire was speaking again r intolerable to me, and in spite of the
“We’ve made one momentous dis¬ loud protests of Wilshire, who
covery,” be said. We crammed wanted us, I suppose, to try and do
eagerly forward. Wilshire paused something about it, I turned and ran,
for the fraction of a seeend, and a literally dragging Elsie with me.
faint smile of triumph curled his This was, as it turned out, the wisest
224 WEIRD TALES

thing that I could have done, be¬ Well, I got out some gauze and
cause the thing later emerged from bound the hand up as best I could.
the pool and nearly got several of “See a doctor at once,” I told him.
the vacationists. Wilshire fired at “Blood-poisoning will set in if you’re
it twice with a pistol, but the thing not careful. Luckily, none of the
flopped back into the water appar¬ bones are fractured.”
ently unharmed and submerged tri¬ He nodded, and for a moment his
umphantly. eyes flashed. “Damn that woman!”
he muttered. “Damn her!”
3. Statement of Henry Greb, Pre¬ “What’s that?” I asked, but he
scription Druggist had got himself together again and
merely smiled. “I’m all upset,” he
1 usually shut up shop at 10 o’clock, said. “ Didn’t know just what I was
saying—you must pardon me. By
but at closing time that evening
I was leaning over the counter read¬ the way, I’ve got a little gash on my
ing a ghost story, and it was so ex¬ scalp which you might look at. ’ ’
tremely interesting that I couldn’t He removed his cap and I noticed
walk out on it. My nose was very that his hair was dripping wet. He
close to the page and I didn’t notice parted it with his hand and revealed
anything that was going on about me a nasty abrasion about an inch wide.
when suddenly I happened to look I examined it carefully.
up and there he was standing and “Your friend wasn’t very careful
watching me. when he cast that plug,” I says at
length. “I never believe in fly-fish¬
I’ve seen some pale people in my
ing when there’s two in the boat. A
time (most people that come with
friend of mine lost an eye that way.”
prescriptions are pale) and I’ve seen
“It was made by a fish-hook,” he
some skinny people, but I never have
confessed. “You’re something of a
seen anyone as thin and pale as the
Sherlock Holmes, aren’t you?”
young man that stood before me.
I brushed aside his compliment
“Good heavens!” I said, and shut with a careless gesture and turned
the book. for the bottle of carbolic acid which
The young man’s lips were twisted rested on the shelf behind me. It
into a sickly smile. ‘ ‘ Sorry to bother was then that I heard something be¬
you,” he says. “But I’m in a bad tween a growl and a gulp from the
way. I’m in desperate need of med¬ young man.
ical attention! ’ ’ I wheeled abruptly, and caught
“What can I do to help you?” I him in the act of springing upon me.
says. He was foaming at the mouth and
He looks at me very solemnly, as if his eyes bulged. I reached forward
and seized him by the shoulders and
he were making up his mind whether
in a moment we engaged in a desper¬
he could trust me. “This is really a
ate struggle upon the floor. He bit
case for a physician, ’ ’ he says.
and scratched and kicked at me;
“It’s against the law for us to and I was obliged to silence him by
handle such cases,” I told him. pummeling his face. It was at that
Suddenly he held out his hand. I moment that I noticed a peculiar
gasped. The fingers were smashed fishy odor in the room, as if a breeze
into a bloody pulp, and blood was from the sea had entered through
running down his wrist. “Do some¬ the open door.
thing to stop the bleeding,” he says. For several moments I struggled
“I’ll see a physician later.” and fought and strained and then
 THE MAN WITH A THOUSAND LEGS 225

something seemed to give suddenly up at me. “Good morning, madam,”

beneath me. The young man slipped he says, “have you a room with
from my grasp and made for the bath?”
door. I endeavored to follow, but I “Look at the sign, young man,” I
stumbled over something slippery says to him. “I’ve a nice light room
and fell flat upon my face. on the second floor that should just
When I got up, the young man was suit you.”
gqne, and in my hand I held some¬ Up he comes and smiles at me. But
thing so weird that I eould scarcely as soon as I saw him close I didn't
believe that it was real, and later I like him. He was so terribly thin, and
flung it from me with a cry of dis¬ his hand was bandaged, and he
gust. It was a reddish, rubbery sub¬ looked as if he had been in a fight.
stance about five inehes long, and its “How much do you want for the
under edge was lined with little room?” he asks.
golden suckers that opened and “Twelve dollars,” I told him. I
closed while I stared at them. wanted to get rid of him and I
, I was still laboring under a fearful thought the high rate would scare
strain when Harry Morton entered him off, but his hand goes suddenly
the shop. He was trembling vio¬ into his pocket and he brings out a
lently, and I noticed that he gazed roll of bills, and begins counting
fearfully behind him as he ap¬ them. I gets up very quickly and
proached the counter/ bows politely to him and takes his
grip away from him, and rushes into
*“What’s the best thing you have
the hall with it. I didn’t want to
for highfalutin’-actin’ nerves?” he
lose a prospect like that. Cousin
asks.
Hiram has a game which he plays
“Bromides,” I says. “I can mix
with shells, and I knew that the
you some. But what’s the trouble young man would be Cousin Hiram’s
with your nerves, Harry ? ’ ’
oyster.
‘*Hallucinations,” he groans.
“Them, and other things.” I takes him upstairs and shows
him the room and he seems quite
“Tell me about it,” I says.
“I was leanin’ ’gainst a lamp- pleased with it. But when he sees
post,” he says, “and I sees a big, the bathtub he begins jumping up
lumbering yellowish thing walkin’ and down like a schoolboy, and clap¬
along the street like a man. It ping his hands and acting so odd
wasn’t natural, Henry. I’m not su¬ that I begins to suspect that he is
perstitious, but that there thing going out of his mind. “It’s just
wasn’t natural. And then it flops the right size!” he shouts. “I hope
into the gutter and runs like a streak you won’t mind my keeping it filled
of lightnin’. It made a funny noise, all day. I bathe quite often. But I
too. It said ‘Gulp’.” must have some salt to put into it.
I mixed the bromides and handed I can’t bathe in fresh water!”
him the glass over the counter. “I “He’s certainly a queer one,” I
understand, Harry,” I says. “But thought, “but I ain’t complaining.
don’t go about blowing your head It isn’t often Hiram and I land a fish
off. No one would believe you.” as rich as this one.”
Finally he calms down and pushes
4. Statement of Helen Bowan me out of the room. “Everything’s
all right,” he says. “But I don’t
T was sitting on the porch knitting want to be disturbed. When you get
■*- when a young man with a bag the salt, put it down in the hall and
stops in front of the house and looks knock on the door. Under no cir-
226 WEIRD TALES

cumstances must anyone enter this whatever’s going on in there!” I

room.” shouted. “Open that door.”
He closed the door in my face and I heard something flopping about
I heard the key grate in the lock. I inside, and then the young man
didn’t like it, and I didn’t like the speaking to himself in a very low
sounds that began to come from be¬ voice. “Its demands are insatiable.
hind that door. First I heard a great The vile, hungry beast! Why doesn’t
sigh as if somehow he had got some¬ it think of something besides its
thing disagreeable off his chest, and stomach? I didn’t want it to come
then I heard a funny gulping sound then. But it doesn’t need the ray
that I didn’t like. He didn’t waste now. When its appetite is aroused it
any time in turning on the water changes without the ray. God, but
either. I heard a great splashing and I had a hard time getting back!
wallowing, and then, after about fif¬ Longer and longer between!”
teen minutes, everything became as Suddenly he seemed to hear the
quiet as death. pounding. His queer chattering
We didn’t hear anything more stops and I hear the key turn in the1
from him until that evening, when I lock. The door opens ever so slightly
sent Lizzie up with the salt. At first and his face looks out at me. He is1
she tried the door, but it was locked, horrible to look at. His cheeks are
and she was obliged to put the bag sunken and there are big horrid
down in the hall. But she didn’t go rings under his eyes. There is a
away. She squeezed up close against bandage tied about his head. ,
the wall and waited. After about “I want you to leave at once,” I
ten minutes the door opened slowly tells him. “There’s queer things go¬
and a_ long, thin arm shot out and ing on here and I can’t stand for
took in the bag. Lizzie said that queer things. You’ve got to leave.”
the arm was yellow and dripping He sighed and nodded. “It’s just
wet, and the thinnest arm she had as well perhaps,” he says. “I was
ever seen. “But he’s a thin young thinking of going anyway. There
man, Lizzie,” I explains to her. are rats here.”
“That may be,” she says, “but I “Rats!” I gasped. But I wasn’t
never saw a human being with an really surprized. I knew there were
arm like that before!” rats in the house. They made life
Later, along about 10 o’clock I miserable for me. I was never able
should say, I was sitting in the par¬ to get rid of them. Even the cats
lor sewing when I felt something wet feared them.
land on my hand. I looked up and “I can’t stand rats,” he continues.
the ceiling was dripping red. I mean “I’m packing up—clearing out
just what I say. The ceiling was all now.” He shuts the door in my face
moist and dripping red. and I hears him throwing his things
I jumped up and ran out into the into a bag. Then the door opens
hall.. I wanted to scream, but I bit again and he comes out on the land¬
my lips until the blood begins run¬ ing. He is terribly pale, and he leans
ning down my chin and that makes against the wall to catch himself, and
me sober and determined. “That then he starts descending the stairs.
young man must go,” I says to my¬ I watches him as he goes down,
self. “I can’t have anything that and when he reaches the first landing
isn’t proper going on in this house.” he staggers and leans against the
I climbs the stairs looking as grim wall. Then he seems to grow shorter
as death and pounds on the young and he goes down the last flight
man’s door. “I won’t stand for three steps at a time. Then he makes
 THE MAN WITH A THOUSAND LEGS 227

a running leap toward the door. I was a man only to his waist, and from
never saw anyone get through a thence to his feet he had been
door so quick, and I begins to sus¬ changed into marble,” when I hap¬
pect that he’s done something that pened to look toward the window.
he’s ashamed of. An icy south wind was driving the
So I turns about and goes into the rain furiously against the panes, and
room. When I looks at the floor I at first I saw nothing but a translu¬
nearly faints. It’s all slippery and cent glitter on the wet glass and
wet, and seven dead rats are lying vaguely beyond that the gleaming
on their backs in the center of the turmoil of dark, enormous waves.
room. And they are the palest-look- Then a dazzling and indescribable
ing rats I’ve ever seen. Their noses shape flattened itself against the win¬
and tails are pure white and they dow and blotted out the black sea
looks as if they didn’t have a drop of and sky. I gasped and jumped up.
blood in them. And then I goes into “A monstrous squid!” I muttered.
the alcove and looks at the bathtub. “The storm must have blown it
I won’t tell you what I see there. ashore. That tentacle will smash the
But you remember what I says about glass if I don’t do something.”
the ceiling downstairs? I says it I reached for my slicker and hat
was dripping red, and the alcove and in a moment I was descending
wasn’t so very different. the spiral stairway three steps at a
I gets out of that room as quick time. Before emerging into the
as I can, and I shuts and locks the storm I armed myself with a re¬
door; and then I goes downstairs volver and the contents of a tumbler
and telephones to Cousin Hiram. of strong Jamaica rum.
“Come right over, Hiram,” I says. I paused for a moment in the door¬
“Something terrible has been here!” way and stared about me. But from
where I stood I could see nothing but
5. Statement of Walter Noyes, the tall gray boulders fringing the
Lighthouse Keeper southern extremity of the island and
a stretch of heaving and rolling
T was pretty well done up. I’d water. The rain beat against my
A been polishing the lamps all aft¬ face and nearly blinded me, and a
ernoon, and there were callouses on deep murmur arose from the intoler¬
my hands as big as hen’s eggs. I able wash of the waves. Before me
went up into the tower and shut my¬ lay only a furious and tortured im¬
self in and got out a book that I’d mensity; behind my back was the
been reading off and on for a week. warmth and security of my minia¬
It was a translation of the Arabian ture castle, a mellow pipe and a book
Nights by a fellow named Lang. of valiant stories—but I couldn’t ig¬
Imaginative stuff like that is a great nore the menace of the loathsome
comfort to a chap when he’s shut up shape that had- pressed itself against
by himself away off on the rim of the glass.
the world, and I always enjoyed I descended three short steps to
reading about Schemselnihar and the rocks and made my way rapidly
Deryabar and the young King of the toward the rear of the lighthouse.
Black Isles. Drops of rain more acrid than tears
I was reading the first part of The ran down my cheeks and into my
King of the Black Isles and had mouth and dripped from the corners
reached the sentence: “And then the of my mustache. The overpowering
youth drew away his robe and the darkness clung like a leech to my
Sultan perceived with horror that he clothes. I hadn’t gone twenty paces
228 WEIRD TALES

before I came upon a motionless torso and head of a naked young

figure. man. His hair was matted and cov¬
At first I saw nothing but the head ered with sea-weed; and there were
and shoulders of a well-shaped man; blood-stains upon his high, white
but as I drew cautiously nearer I forehead. His nose was so sharp that
collided with something that made it reminded! me of a sword and I mo¬
me cry out in terror. A hideous ten¬ mentarily expected to see it glitter in
tacle shot out and wound itself the dim, mysterious light. His teeth
about my leg. chattered so loudly that I could hear
With a startled cry I turned and them from where I stood; and as I
attempted to run. But out of the stared and stared at him he coughed
macrocarpus darkness leaped an¬ violently and foamed at the lips.
other slimy arm, and another. My “Whisky!” he muttered. “I’m
fingers tightened on the revolver in
all done up! I ran into a ship 1’ ’
my pocket.. I whipped it out and
I was unable to speak, but I be-
opened fire on the writhing brutes.
lieve I made some strange noises in
The report of my gun echoed from
the surrounding boulders. A sud¬ my throat. The young man nodded
den, shrill scream of agony broke the hysterically.
comparative quiet that followed. “I knew you’d understand,” he
Then there came a voluble, passion¬ muttered. “I’m up against it, but I
ate pleading. “Don’t shoot again! knew you’d help me pull through. A
Please don’t! I’m done up. I was glass of whisky-”
done up when I came here, and I “How did that thing get you?” I
wanted help! I didn’t intend to shrieked. I had found my voice at
harm you. Before God, I didn’t in¬ last, and was determined to fight my
tend that they should attack you. way back to sanity. “How did that
But I ean’t control ’em now. They’re thing get its loathsome coils on
too much for me. It's too much for
you?”
me. Pity me!’’
“It didn’t get me,” groaned the
For a moment I was too dazed to
young man. “I’m It!”
think. I stared stupidly at the smok¬
ing revolver in my hand and then “You’re what?”
my eyes sought the cataclysmic “A part of It,” replied the young
ocean. The enormous waves calmed man.
me. Slowly I brought my eyes to “Isn’t that thing swallowing
bear on the thing before me. you?” I screamed at him. “Aren’t
But even as I stared at it my brain you going down into its belly at this
reeled again, and a deadly nausea moment?”
came upon me. The young man sadly shook his
“And then the youth drew away his- robe head. “It’s part of me,” he said
and the Sultan perceived that he was a man again, and then, more wildly, “I
only to his waist . . must have something to brace me
Several feet from where I stood, a np! I’m all in. I was swimming on
monstrous jelly spread itself loath¬ the surface, and a ship came and cut
somely over the dripping rocks, and off six of my legs. I’m weak from
from its veined central mass a thou¬ loss of blood, and I can’t stand.”
sand tentacles depended and writhed A lean hand went up and brushed
like the serpents on the head of the water from battered eyes. “A
Medusa. And growing from the few of ’em are still lively,” he
middle of this obscenity was the said, “and I ean’t control ’em. They
 THE MAN WITH A THOUSAND LEGS 229

nearly got you—but the others are 6. The Marvelous Boy

all in. I can’t walk on ’em.”
[Curious Manuscript Found in a
With as much boldness as I could
Bottle]
muster I raised my revolver and ad¬
vanced upon the thing. "I don’t
know what you’re talking about,” I
I was the marvelous boy. My gen¬
ius amazed the world. A magni¬
cried. “But I’m going to blow this
ficent mind, a sublime destiny! My
monster to atoms.”
enemies . . . combined to ruin me.
“For heaven’s sake, don’t!” he A punctured balloon . . .
shrieked. “That would be murder.
A little box, and I put a dog under
We’re a human being.”
it. He changed . . . Jelly! Etherie
A flash of scarlet fire answered vibration generates curious changes
him. Almost unconsciously I had in living cells. . . . Proeess starts
pressed upon the trigger, and now and nothing can stop it. Growth!
my weapon was speaking again. “ I ’ll Enormous growth! Keeps sending
blow it to tatters!” I muttered be¬ out shoots—legs! arms! Marvelous
tween my teeth. “The vile, crawl¬ growth! Human being next. Put a
ing devil!” little girl under it. She changed.
“Don’t! don’t!” shrieked the Beautiful jellyfish! It kept getting
young man, and then an unearthly larger. Fed it mice. Then I de¬
yell made the night obscene. I saw stroyed it.
the thing before me quiver in all its ,So interesting. Must try it on my¬
folds, and then it suddenly rose up self. I know how to get back. Will¬
and towered above me. Blood spurt¬ power. A child’s will is too weak,
ed from its huge, bloated body, and but a man can get back. No actual
a crimson shower descended upon change in cell-content.
me. High above me, a hundred feet
A tremendous experience! I picked
in the air, I saw the pale, agonized
out a deep pool where I could hide.
face of the- young man. He was
Hunger. Saw man on beach.
screaming blasphemies. He ap¬
peared to be walking on stilts. “You The police suspect. I must be
can’t kill me,” he yelled. “I’m more careful. Why didn’t I take the
stronger than I thought. I’ll win body out to sea?
out yet.” Horrible incident. Young lady
I raised my revolver to fire again, artist. I almost caught her, but she
but before I could take aim the thing stamped on a leg. Smashed it. Hor¬
swept by me and plunged into the rible pain. I certainly must be more
sea. It was perhaps fortunate for careful.
me that I did not attempt to follow Great humiliation. Little boy
it. My knees gave beneath me and hooked me. But I gave him a scare.
I fell flat upon my face. When I The varmint! I glared and glared at
came to so far as to be able to speak him. I tried to catch him, but he ran
I found myself between clean white too fast. I wanted to eat him. He
sheets and staring into the puzzled had very red cheeks. I hate women
blue eyes of a government inspector. and children.
"You’ve had a nasty time of it, Of course they suspect. Little boys
lad,” he said. “We had to give you always babble. I wanted to eat him.
stimulants. Didja have a shock of a But I gave them all a good scare, and
sort?” I got a mhn. He came down after
“Of a sort, yes,” I replied. “But me in a diver’s suit, but I got him.
it came out of the Arabian Nights.” I took him to pieces. I mean that—lit-
230 WEIRD TALES

jrally to pieces. Then I let the frag¬ Into the sea at last. Great relief,
ments float up. I wanted to scare great joy. Freedom at last!
them. I think I did. They ran for A ship. I ran head on into it. Six
their lives. The authorities are fools. arms gone. Terrible agony. Flopped
I got back. But it wasn’t easy. about for hours.
The thing fought and fought. “I’m Land. I climbed over the rocks and
master!’’ I said, and it gulped. It
collapsed. Then I managed to get
gulped and gulped and gulped; and
back. Part of me got back. I called
then I got back. But my hand was
for help. A crazy fool came out of
smashed and bleeding!
the lighthouse and stared at me.
That fool clerk! Why did he take Five of my tentacles sprang at him.
so long? But he didn’t know how
I couldn’t control them. They got
hungry his red face made me. The
him about the leg. He lost his head.
thing came back without the ray. I
Got out a revolver and shot at them.
was standing before the counter and
it came back. I sprang at him. I I got them under control. Tre¬
was lucky to get away. mendous effort. Pleaded with him,
tried to explain. He would not lis¬
Terrible trouble. I can’t keep it
ten. Shots—many shots. White-hot
from coming back. I wake up in the
night, and find it spread out on the fire in my body—in my arms and
bed and all over the floor. Its arms legs. Strength returned to me. I
writhe and writhe. And its demands rose up, and went back into the sea.
are insatiable. Every waking mo¬ I hate human beings. I am growing
ment it demands food. Sometimes larger, and I shall make myself felt
it completely absorbs me. But now in the world.
as I write the upper portion of my Arthur St. Amand.
body is human.
This afternoon I moved to fur¬ 7. The Salmon Fishermen
nished room near beach. Salt water
has become a necessity. Change [Statement of William Gamwell]
comes on more rapidly now. I can’t
keep it off. My will is powerless. I
There were five of us in the boat:
Jimmy Simms, Tom Snodgrass,
filled the tub with water and put in
Harry O’Brien, Bill Samson and my¬
some salt. Then I wallowed in it.
self. “Jimmy,’’ I said, “we may as
Great comfort. Great relief. Hun¬
well open the lunch. I’m not par¬
ger. Dreadful, insatiable hunger.
ticularly hungry, but the salmon all
I am all beast, all animal. Rats.
have their noses stuck in the mud!”
I have caught six rats. Delicious.
“They sure ain’t biting,” said
Great comfort. But I’ve messed up
Jimmy. “I never seen such a bum
the room. What if the old idiot
run of the lazy critters.”
downstairs should suspect ?
“Don’t go complaining,” Harry
. She does suspect. Wants me to
piped up. “We’ve only been here
get out. I shall get out. There is
five hours.”
only one refuge for me now. The
sea! I shall go to the sea. I can’t We were drifting toward the east
pretend I’m human any longer. I’m shore and I yelled to Bill to pull on
all animal, all beast. What a shock the oars, but he ignored me.
I must have given the old hag! I “We’ll drift in with the ship¬
could hear her teeth chattering as ping,” I warned. “By the way,
she came up the stairs. All I could what’s that queer-looking tug with
do to keep from springing at her. a broken smoke-stack?”
 THE MAN WITH A THOUSAND LEGS 231

“It came in this morning,” said thing that nearly frightened us out
Jim. “It looks like a rum-runner to of our shoes. Between the cutter
me.” and the tug a gigantic, yellowish
“They’re taking an awful risk,” obscenity shot up from the water
Harry put in. “The revenue cut¬ and towered thirty feet in the air.
ter ’s due by here any minute. ’ ’ It thrashed wildly about and made a
“There she is now,” said Bill and horrible gulping noise. We could
pointed toward the flats. hear the frenzied shrieks of the men
Sure enough, there was the gov¬ on the tug, and from the deck of the
ernment boat, skirting the shore and cutter someone yelled. “Look at it!
looking like a lean wasp on the war¬ Look at it! Oh, my God! ’'
path. “She’s heading the tug off as “Mercy in heaven!” groaned Bill.
sure as you’re born,” said Bill. “I’ll “We’re in for it!” sobbed Tom.
say we’re in for a hot time!” For a moment the thing simply
“Back water!” I shouted. “Do towered and vibrated between the.
ypu want to get between ’em?” two boats and then it made for the
Tom and Bill pulled sturdily on cutter. It had at least a thousand
the oars and our boat swung out in legs and they waved loathsomely in
the direction of the west shore; and the sunlight. It had a hooked beak
then the current took us and carried and a great mouth that opened and
ik downstream. closed and gulped, and it was larger
A signal flag flashed for a moment than a whale. It was horribly, hid¬
off the deck of the cutter. Jimmy eously large. It towered to the
translated it for us. “ ‘Stand to, or mounting zenith, and in its mephitic,
we’ll fire’,” he exclaimed. “Now blasphemous immensity it dwarfed
let’s see what the tug’s got to say to the two boats and all the tangled
that! ” shipping in the harbor.
The tug apparently decided to ig¬ “Are we alive?” shrieked Bill.
nore the command. It rose on a ‘ * And is that there shore really Long
tremorless swell, and plunged dog¬ Island? I don’t believe it. We’re
gedly forward. A vast black column in the Indian Ocean, or the Persian
aseended from its broken smoke¬ Gulf or the middle of the Hyperbor¬
stack. “They’re putting on steam!’’ ean sea. . . That there thing is a
cried Bill. “But they haven’t a Jormungandar!”
chance in the world.” * ‘ What’s a Jormungandar ? ’' yelled
“Not a chance,” confirmed Tom. Tom. He was at the end of his rope
“One broadside will blow ’em to and clutching valiantly at straws.
atoms. ’ ’ “Them things what live on the bot¬
Bill stood up and clapped his tom of the arctic seas, ’ ’ groaned BilL
hands to his ears. The rest of us “They comes up for air once in a
were nearly deafened by the thun¬ hundred years. Ill take my oath
derous report. “What did I tell that there thing’s a Jormungandar.”
you?” shouted Tom. Jormungandar or not, it was ap¬
We look at the tug. The smoke¬ parent to all of us that the monster
stack was gone and she was wallow¬ meant business. It was bearing
ing in a heavy swell. “That was down upon the cutter with incredi¬
only a single shot across her bows,” ble ferocity. The water boiled and
said Bill. “But it did a lot of dam¬ bubbled in its wake. On the other
age. Wait until they open fire with boats men rushed hysterically to the
the big guns!” rails and stared with wide eyes. .
We waited, expecting to see some¬ The officers of the cutter had re¬
thing interesting. But we saw some¬ covered from their momentary as-
232 WEIRD TALES

tonishment and were gesticulating depths of blackest midnight. And

furiously and running back and in its colossal arms and legs I see a
forth on the decks. Three guns were tiny ship from whose deck a hundred
lowered into position and directed little men fall shrieking and scream¬
at the onrushing horror. A little ing into the black maelstrom beneath
man with gilt braid on his sleeves its churning maws.
danced about absurdly on his toes Yards and yards it towered, and
and shouted out commands at the its glittering bulk hid the sun. It
top of his voice. towered to the zenith and its weav¬
“Don’t fire until you can look into ing arms twisted the cutter into a
his eyes,” he yelled. “We can’t af¬ shapeless mass of glistening steel.
ford to miss him. We’ll give him a “ We ’re next! ” muttered Bill!
broadside he won’t forget.” “There ain’t nothing can save us
“It isn’t human, sir!” someone now. A man ain’t got a chance when
yelled. “There never was nothing he runs head-on against a Jormun-
like it before in this world.” gandar!”
The men aboard the tug were ob¬ “That ain’t no Jormungandar,”
viously rejoicing. Caps and pipes piped Tom. “It’s a human being^
ascended into the air and loud shouts what’s been out all night. But £
of triumph issued from a hundred ain’t saying we’re not in for it.”
drunken throats. My other companions fell upon
“Fire!” shouted the blue-coated their knees and little Harry O’Brien
midget on the cutter. turned yellow under the gills. But
“It won’t do ’em no good!” the thing did not attack us. Instead,
shouted Bill, as the thunder of the with a heartbreaking scream that
guns smote our ears. “It won’t do seemed outrageously human it sank
’em a bit o’ good.” beneath the waves, carrying with it
the flattened, absurd remains of the
As it turned out, Bill was right.
The tremendous discharge failed to valiant little cutter and the crushed
arrest the progress of the obscene and battered bodies of innumerable
monster. men. And as it sank loathsomely
i It rose like a cloud from the water from sight the water about it flat¬
and flew at the cutter like a flying- tened out into a tremorless plateau
fish. Furiously it stretched forth its and turned the color of blood.
enormous arms, and embraced the Bill was at the oars now, shouting
cutter. It wrenched the little vessel, and cursing to encourage the rest of
from the trough of the wave in which us. “Pull, boys,” he commanded.
it wallowed and lifted it violently “Let’s try to make the south shore
into the air. before that there fish comes up for
Its great golden sides shone like the breath. There ain’t one of us here
morning star, but red blood trickled what wants to live for the/rest of
from a gaping hole in its throat. his life on the bottom of the sea.
Yet it ignored its wounds. It lifted There ain’t one of us here what ud
the small steel ship into the air in care to have it out with a Jormun¬
its gigantic, weaving arms. gandar.”
I shall never forget that moment. In a moment we had swung the
I have but to shut my eyes and it is boat about and were making for the
before me now. I see again that shore. Men on the other ships were
Brobdingnagian horror from meas¬ crying and waving to us, but we
ureless abysses, that twisting, fan¬ didn’t stop to hand in any reports.
tastic monstrosity from sinister We weren’t thinking of anything
 THE MAN WITH A THOUSAND LEGS

but a huge 'monstrosity that we expensive, you can bet your life on
would see towering and towering that,” I thought. “Probably some
into the sky as long as our brains old doctor’s croaked and his widow
hung together in our foolish little threw the thing away without con¬
heads. sulting anyone. This is a real scien¬
tific affair, this is, and I ought to get
8. News Item in the Long Island a week’s board out of it.”
Gazette I wanted to examine the thing bet¬
ter and so I made for a vacant lot
'T'he body of a young man, about
where I wouldn’t be interrupted.
25 years old, was found this
Once there I sat myself down behind
morning on a deserted beach near
a signboard and took the contraption
Northport. The body was horribly
from under my coat and looked at it.
emaciated and the coroner, Mr. E.
Thomas Bogart, discovered three Well, sir, it interested me. There
small wounds on the young man’s was a little lever on top of it you
thigh. The edges of the wounds pressed and the slide fell down and
were stained as though from gun¬ something clicked in the metal box
powder. The body scarcely weighed in back of it, and the thing lighted
one hundred pounds. It is thought up.
that the youth was the victim of foul I realized at once that something
play and inquiries are being made in was meant to go on the slide. I
the vicinity. didn’t know just what, but my curi¬
osity was aroused. “That light isn’t
9. The Box of Horror there for nothing,” I thought. “This
box means business.”
[Statement of Harry Olson]
I began to wonder what would
T hadn’t had a thing to eat for happen if something alive were put
A three days, and I was driven to on the slide. There was a clump of
the cans. Sometimes you find some¬ bushes near where I was sitting and
thing valuable in the cans and some¬ I got up and made for it. It took
times you don’t; but anyhow, I was me some time to get what I was
working ’em systematically. I had after; but when I caught it I held it
gone up the street and down the firmly between my thumb and fore¬
street, and hadn’t found a thing for finger so it couldn’t escape, and then
my pains except an old pair of sus¬ I talked to it. “Grasshopper,” I
penders and a tin of salmon. But said. “I haven’t any grudge against
when I came to the last house I you personally, but the scientific
stopped and stared. Then I stretched mind is no respecter of persons.”
out a lean arm and picked up the The infernal varmint wriggled and
box. It was a funny-looking box, wriggled and covered my thumb
with queer glass sides and little with molasses, but I didn’t let up
peek-holes in the side of it, and a on him. I held him firmly and
metal compartment about three pushed him onto the slide. Then I
inches square in back of it, and a turned on the lever and peeped
slide underneath large enough to through the holes.
hold a man’s hand. The poor devil squirmed and flut¬
I looked up at the windows of the tered for several minutes and then he
house, but there wasn’t anyone began to dissolve. He got flabbier
watching me, and so I slipped the and flabbier and soon I could see
box under my coat and made off right through him. When he was
down the street. “It’s something nothing but ooze he began tq. wriggle.
234 WEIRD TALES

I dumped him on the ground and he began to shorten and stiffen a little.
scurried away faster than a cen¬ “You’re imagining all this,” I con¬
tipede. tinued. “It’s the sheerest, bunk.
“I’m deluding myself,” I thought. That box isn’t anything out of the
“I’m seeing things that never hap¬ ordinary!”
pened. ’ ’ Well sir, you may not believe it,
Then I did a very foolish thing. but I argued myself back into sanity.
I thrust my hand into the box and I argued my hand back to normal.
turned on the lever. For several mo¬ The wriggling, twisting things got
ments nothing happened and then shorter and fatter and joined to¬
my hand began to get cold. I peeped gether and before very long I had a
through the holes and what I saw hand with fingers.
made me scream and scream and Then I stood up and shouted.
draw my hand out and go running Luckily no one heard me, and there
about the lot like a madman. My wasn't anyone to watch me dancing
hand was a mass of writhing, twist¬ about on my toes either. When I got
ing snakes! Leastwise, they looked out of breath I picked the infernal
like snakes at first, but later I saw box up and walked away with it. I
that they were soft and yellow and made directly for the river. “You’ve
rubbery and much worse than snakes. had your day,” I said. “You won’t
But even then I didn’t altogether turn any more poor critters into
lose my head. Leastwise, I didn’t jelly-fish!”
lose it for long. “This is a sheer Well sir, I threw the vile thing
hallucination,” I said to myself, into the river, but first I smashed
“and I’m going to argue myself out it against the planks on the wharf
of it.” until it looked like nothing on earth
I sat down on a big boulder and under the stars. “And that’s the
held my hand up and looked at it. end of you!” I shouted as it sank.
It had a thousand fingers and they I ought to have got a medal for that,
dripped, but I made myself look at but I ain’t complaining. It isn’t
’em. I did some tall arguing. ‘ ‘ Snap every man has the pleasure of calling
out of it,” I said. “You’re imagin¬ himself a disinterested benefactor of
ing things!” I thought the fingers humanity.
“He lifted her high above his head and with a
mighty heave threw her clear to the side-wall of
the tent."

M ARTINI is dead! I gazed

at the headlines dumbly. If
people were thrown out of work, and
Stanley Milton would lose his posi¬
I had been a woman I’d tion, because one man, Rosoff Martini,
have cried. Hundreds of women did. idolized by women and envied by
Thus it. was that the bud of fame was men, had died.
clipped from the life-bush by Time’s Martini had been friendly with me.
ruthless pruning knife. Perhaps that was why I’d been made-
I arose from my canvas, chair, assistant. We belonged to the same-
picked it up- by the high-back and’ athletic club, attended the same
read the sign painted thereon: affairs, played in the same poker
“Stanley Milton, Assistant Direc¬ games, and admired the same “mas¬
tor.’'’ I sighed.. That sign I would ter, ’ ’ 0!. Henry. His admiration for
keep for a souvenir of my short reign 0. Henry, F surmised, was one-mere¬
in the Eleig-light kingdom of the ly of amused respect while- mine ap¬
great director Parmelee. proached idolatry. I was a slave ter
I knew, that I was not liked, though the 0-. Henryesque, to the surprize,
I didn’t know why. I knew that my the sudden turn. There- had never
job- would pass- with the passing of been a hitch in our friendship until
Parmelee’s super-picture-, The Reign one day ... I borrowed five dollars.
of Me Raja. And now, a million Who’s- Who proclaimed Martini
dollars- were wasted, five thousand an Italian, hut somewhere under that
235 .
236 WEIBD TALES

Greek profile, that olive skin, and with Miss Donner under Parmelee’s
hair of brilliant jet, I’m sure there direction without emotionalizing, let
lurked a bit of Jerusalem because- her get absolutely “set,” and then
Well, in the first place I hate to when Parmelee was ready to “shoot,”
borrow money, but in the second do his “business” from inspiration.
place I positively abhor giving it This inspirational work always
back, and it is because of this latter turned out more satisfactorily than
eccentricity that I hesitate to borrow. the usual “grind.” But on this par¬
But when you’re out on location in ticular Tuesday Martini and I and
an immature desert and you’ve just four others had poker-faced until 4
dedicated your whole stack of blues a. m. and—I had borrowed that five
to a straight and someone disrespects dollars.
your dedication with four queens, I don’t know whether it was the
why, a man has to do something to five dollars, the lack of sleep or the
retaliate. heat that put Martini in a bad humor.
So I borrowed five dollars from But anyway, he couldn’t get his in¬
Martini. spiration to work and they’d gone
Martini had won the pot before through the “throwing business” un¬
the dedication or he’d never have til the divan and Miss Donner were
let me have it, but he couldn’t very nearly wrecked, not to speak of the
well refuse a loan of five dollars when Baja himself. Parmelee’s voice grew
he had four stacks of blues and two louder, and the more he barked the
stacks of reds and whites. darker became the scowl on Martini’s
This desert I spoke of was the face. Finally, in a terrific effort to
stretch of rolling sand that lies be¬ “caveman” Hazel Donner, he lifted
tween Del Eey and Venice, about a her high above his head, shouting,
quarter of a mile from the ocean, “By God! I’ll get it right this time!”
and when a couple of tents had been which wasn’t the scene caption at all,
erected and a dozen palms imported and with a mighty heave threw her
from the studio storehouse it made a clear to the side-wall of the tent.
vast Sahara where Abd-El-Krim him¬ Miss Donner wasn’t hurt, just
self would have been proud to cache scared a bit. Luckily the tent wall
his stolen women. was staked down to keep the wind
It was on this location that Martini from flapping it and she’d bounded
first developed signs of the infirmity back and landed full length on the
that finally led up to the headlines on divan. It was a marvelous bit of
the paper I had in my hand. He was “business” and the climax of the
doing the bedroom scene with Hazel scene, and Parmelee was so overjoyed
Donner—a brand new star just that he hardly noticed the crumpled
graduated from a beauty pageant— Baja on the cushioned floor. Martini
in which there was the usual brief often lay down to rest after a hard
struggle of young womanhood pro¬ scene.
tecting her virtue from the magnif¬ But I had a faculty for finding
icent brute. He had to lift her up trouble. There was something awk¬
bodily and fling her to the divan, a ward about the position in which he
distance of about eight feet, and as lay, and Martini was never awkward,
the utmost care had to be exercised on the set or off. I walked over,
to prevent injury to Miss Donner, the feeling constrained to humor him be¬
entire strain of the piece of business cause of that five dollars. His eyes
fell upon Martini. were closed, his lips pressed so tight¬
Martini’s usual way of working ly together that they were pale
was to walk through his “business” through the rouge. That didn’t in-
 THE PHANTOM PHOTOPLAY 237

dicate much—probably anger. I under the picture of Rosoff Martini:

couldn’t see the olive skin through “Mr. Martini was insured for $1,-
the grease paint on the set features, 000,000, which only partly covers the
but—his ears were white, dead-white. loss sustained by Cinemagraph Com¬
“Call Dr. Grey!’’ I shouted. It pany on the unfinished picture, ‘The
was orders like that, which I gave Reign of the Raja,’ whieh was two-
without consulting Parmelee, that thirds complete. Martini’s estate is
made my job unsafe. left to his brother.”
An hour later Martini lay, still I hadn’t known there was a
unconscious, in the Oil Refinery’s brother.
Emergency Hospital at El Segundo, So Rosoff, dead, was worth a mil¬
a station just south of Del Rey. lion to Cinemagraph. An odd thought
, Dr. Paxton, the surgeon, was on struck me. I laughed. Rosoff, dead,
his way from Los Angeles. Dr. Pax¬ was worth a five to me. I still owed
ton was a specialist. It was a small Martini five dollars. He had once said
matter to him. A little ether, a lit¬ at a banquet in a moment of elo¬
tle snipping and cutting, the cursory quence, ‘ ‘ I always pay my debts, and
examination of a small hard object, a I always collect them—one way or an¬
few stitches and a bill in due time other.” The last four words had a
reading, “Removal of Appendix— pugnacious sound, but I couldn’t
$1,000.00. ’ ’ Dr. Paxton always imagine the handsome Raja fighting
charged that amount. for anything except in one of Parme¬
Dr. Paxton had never lost a pa¬ lee’s tempestuous scenes.
tient. But, perhaps he too had
played poker until late Tuesday I left the deserted set, walked
morning. Dr. Grey thought he had through the outer office and stood
been careless. in the doorway leading to the street.
Dr. Grey was merely a physician. The whole place seemed to be in
Dr. Paxton was a surgeon. However, mourning. Even the office girl was
Dr. Paxton ealled m Dr. Graham. missing. I walked over to the swivel
Dr. Graham called in Dr. Maxwell. chair behind the desk and sat down.
Dr. Maxwell called in Dr. Myers. I’d enjoy my last day in Cinema-
The bill doubled, tripled, quadrupled, graph’s employ. For onee I’d be
but consultation after consultation king.. I propped my feet upon the
failed to stop the pleurisy, which was roll-topped desk. From my hip
followed by septoendoearditis, peri¬ pocket I dragged my cigarettes. They
tonitis and- were crushed, but I took little note of
I looked again at the headlines on that A five-dollar bill was wrapped
the paper. It was a Record “Ex¬ around the package. Its green was
tra.” I could hear shouts outside soiled by the burn of a cigarette. I
the deserted studio. Boys were call¬ recognized it as the bill I had bor¬
ing other “Extras.” The death of rowed from Martini I wondered
Martini was worth a dozen “Ex¬ how it had gotten out of the bill-fold
tras,” while if I died I’d get one line where I had placed it with the others
in the obituary column of the eve¬ that I won—after the dedication.
ning paper. It wasn’t right. I didn’t Then I laughed. Here was one
mind dying, but before I stepped out debt that Martini would never col¬
of the picture I must see at least one lect—one way or another.
photoplay title followed by the cap¬ Somehow I began to realize that I
tion, “Directed by Stanley Milton.” never had been a friend to the Ital¬
I must. And I would—somehow. ian. He had been only a tool by
I read the paragraph in bold type whieh I should accomplish my ambi-
 WEIRD TALES

tion. Now that he was dead it didn’t have sworn was Martini if I hadn’t
matter one way or another and—I known Martini was dead.
still had that five dollars. That Finally I asked, “Does anyone else
thought rolled through my mind till I know your resemblance to your
was feverish. brother?”
A shadow shut the sunlight from “No,” said the lips, “they think
the doorway. I looked up from the we’re the same person.”
five-dollar bill. The shadow was
“Would you mind working for me
Rosoff Martini!
instead of Parmelee?” I dared to say.
Hastily I crumpled the five in my “You were Parmelee, on this last
hand. He would never get it. Never. picture. You”—he paused signif¬
The boaster! The braggart! He icantly—“and the master, 0.
always collected his debts! Then I Henry. ’ ’
laughed again, a loud, unnatural I was surprized and pleased. He
laugh. How could I laugh naturally continued:
in the presence of this man? He was “And besides, you were my broth-;
dead! er’s—friend.” He hesitated on the-
Martini’s face was immobile. word.
“Hello, Stanley,” said the lips. He “Yes, his best,” I assented quick--
disregarded my laughter. ly. I had formulated a plan by which
I was afraid of that frozen face, I would gain my ambition. Only one
and those eyes without a gleam of thing lay in the way. Money! As
light. I tried to jest. “Why don’t if in answer to my thoughts there
you lie down?” I asked. came this statement.
“Don’t worry about money. My
His lips moved again, “Why?”
brother’s estate falls to me and I,
“You’re dead! Why don’t you lie
too, have some of my own.”
down?” I tried to bellow with laugh¬
“It’ll take half a million,” I said,
ter but my throat was dry.
breathing fast.
“No,” was all he said. “Easy,” was the answer. Things
I showed him the paper. He read were going too smoothly.
the headlines without taking it from “Why,” I asked suddenly, “are
me. I was perspiring, brow and you so willing to do this?”
body; even my hands were dripping “I am like you,” he answered
hot liquid. Events raced through coldly: “I want fame. I have money.
my mind. Perhaps I had caused the I have looks. I want fame. You have
death of Martini. I had borrowed the ability to finish that picture. Un¬
the five dollars. That had put him in finished, it is worthless. You can buy
a bad humor. He had strained him¬ it for a song. I’ll pay for it.”
self and—died. I clinched my hands This wasn’t the plan I had in mind.
tighter. Something was between It was better.
them. I looked down to see blood, “But everyone knows you are
and saw—a five-dollar bill. I felt dead,” I said without thinking. I
eyes boring into me. I unclinched laughed at my mistake. “I mean
my hands and flung the crumpled your brother.”
greenback against the wall. “Good advertising,” he stated.
“Take it and go!” I screamed. “Martini comes back from the grave
His eyes did not leave me. to finish his picture!” Then he
“I have come to finish my brother’s almost smiled. “You know I’m to
picture,” he said. be buried next week.”
That calmed my mind. For ten I marveled. This man was a
minutes I talked to the man I would genius. But he was heartless. He
 THE PHANTOM PHOTOPLAY

would do anything to take his broth¬ cold. Hadn’t he poisoned his own
er’s place. Suddenly a wild thought brother?
struck me. I paused significantly. The day Martini was buried his
“How did you kill your brother?’’ brother didn’t show up at the studio.
I said between set teeth. At first I was puzzled, then furious.
“I poisoned him,” was the calm And the following morning when he
answer. arrived on the set I began, “Why
“Suppose I tell,” I suggested, the devil weren’t you——?”
surprized at my own calmness. He cut me short.
“You won’t,” was the quick reply. “My dear Stanley,” he almost
“Why?” drawled, “you can’t expect a man to
miss his own funeral. ’ ’
“Because you’ve too much at stake.
I was in a fever. This mixup in
You’ve a chance at fame, as I have.
personalities was getting on my
When you buy the picture it is yours.
nerves.
Parmelee has no more call upon it.
But finally, after ten days, the pic¬
You won’t tell. You were glad my
ture was finished. I hadn’t allowed
brother died because you owed him
Parmelee within sight of the studio,
five dollars. You won’t tell.”
and instructed all employees to abso¬
I gasped, “How did you know?”
lute secrecy. I had to discharge one
“I know you won’t tell.’’ He com¬
man to teach the rest a lesson. I had
bined the two speeches.
the whole supporting cast believing
“No. I won’t,” I said, and picked that Martini was a phenomenal
up the five-dollar bill. “double.”
In another week the picture was
TXTith Martini’s money I bought ready for release. I heard rumors
* ’ the picture. Parmelee laughed from the cutting room that there was
at me when he heard about it. “Get something queer about the film and I
out 0. Henry’s Scrap Book,” he took Martini with me to look at it.
taunted, “and give my work a new The film seemed all right. The fig¬
twist. ’ ’ My muscles tightened, not at ures were as clean-cut as any I’d ever
the bidding of my own will but at seen.
that of another, my master. I con¬ “What’s the matter with it?” I
trolled the desire to choke Parmelee. asked.
Words hissed through my teeth; I “Nothing, only”—answered the
could not keep them back; “I will cutter, looking queerly at Martini—
give it a new twist.” “in Martini’s scene with Miss Donner
I started my sensational advertis¬ you can’t see-”
ing. I rented the studio for two He didn’t finish. His eyes widened
weeks, rehired the supporting cast at like saucers and he fell forward in
a cut in salary, and began “shoot¬ my arms.
ing. ’ ’ The only trouble I had was in “Fainted,” stated Martini coldly..
the scenes with Miss Donner. She “Too hot in that cutting room. You
complained about “working with a see there’s nothing wrong with the
dead man.” My advertising had its film. Just his overtaxed mind. ’ ’
effect. He held the film up for my inspec¬
“He’s not really dead,” I argued. tion. I could see nothing wrong.,
“Can’t you see it’s a stunt?” “Let’s go to dinner,” said Martini,
“He is dead,” she insisted. “His “or we’ll be late for the preview.
lips are cold as ice.” It’s 6 :15 now. ’ ’
There’s no arguing with a woman. ‘ ‘ George, ’ ’ I called. George was
I knew it was the man’s nature to be my assistant. I had given him my
240 WEIRD TALES

canvas chair with his name printed pushed me over into that foolish bow.
on the back. A titter flowed over the house and
“Yes,” said George, always at from some spot one hysterical cackle.
hand. I hastened to the rear of the house,
“See that everything is set for the and from the “Standing Room
preview at 8:30.” Only” watched the unfolding of my
masterpiece..
“Right!” said George.
I had left unchanged the part of
npHE Four Hundred of Hollywood the picture directed by Parmelee and
added that of my own, but the open¬
were at the preview en masse.
ing captions read, ‘ ‘ Directed by Stan¬
In /fact there were as many in the
ley Milton. ’ ’ After all, the credit was
street as there were inside.
mine. Why share it?
“We should have hired an opera
I heard comments all about me as
house,” said Martini, who was in
good spirits. the plot unfolded, but the part in
which I was intensely interested, my
I tried to be the same, but some¬
part, had not arrived. As my first
thing seemed amiss. I felt that the
scene drew near I looked hastily
air brooded expectancy. I was cold
about for Martini. It was impossible
and uneasy when I should have been
to find him in that sea of faces. I
glorying in my coming fame.
read the caption of my big scene be¬
I left Martini in his seat and tween Miss Donner and Martini’s
rushed up to the projecting room. men where she is brought back after
“Is everything all right?” I asked her escape from his tent. It was
breathlessly. good. I liked it. So did the audi¬
“All ready to go,” was the answer. ence, I was sure. They were spell¬
“I’m running the O. Henry story bound.
first.” Martini’s men begin the salaam,
I was startled. “0. Henry!” I backing out the front of the tent and
stared. leaving Miss Donner expectantly
“Yes. An O. Henry two-reeler. awaiting the entrance of the Raja.
We’ve previewed two before. This This was the second big love scene,
one is taken from his short story, The and equal to the “throwing scene”
Unfinished-’ ’ that had evidently caused the death
“Run The Reign of the Raja of Martini. There was an expectant
first,” I cut in. “That’s the feature. hush as the tent-flap was drawn back
0. Henry can wait. ’ ’ by an unseen hand. A close-up
It was almost unholy to put aside showed the look of horror in the eyes
my master like that, but I was burn¬ of Hazel Donner. Then, Miss Don¬
ing to see my work on the silver ner played her tremendous emotional
screen. scene—alone upon the screen. The
I flew to my seat on the aisle. It tent-flap had drawn back, but no one
was taken by one of the crowd. Mar¬ appeared. Hazel Donner beat some¬
tini’s seat was occupied, but not by one’s breast, but no one could he
himself. I looked around bewildered. seen. She was picked up sobbing and
“Polite, all of a sudden, to give up carried to the inner room, but no one
his seat like that,” I muttered. carried her.
I could feel the eyes of Holly¬ The audience was gasping. And I
wood’s aristocracy upon me. I bowed —I was paralyzed.
—silly of me to bow from the aisle— A flood of cold air passed over me.
I should have waited for the end of That one hysterical cackle was re¬
the picture. Maybe someone had peated—in my ear. I looked around.
 THE PHANTOM PHOTOPLAY 241

Staring eyes and gaping mouths were ‘ ‘ Get on the set. You ’re late. Get in
all turned toward the screen. A the picture!” And louder, “Martini!
woman beside me automatically For God’s sake, you’ll ruin me! Mar¬
fanned herself. I could smell sweat; tini ! ’ ’
someone was reeking with it. But I I felt eyes, hundreds of eyes, star¬
was cold—cold. ing. The whole house was on its feet
Dimly I heard the clicking in the leering back at me. I could hear the
projecting room above me. Some¬ silence. I leaned against the wall
thing clammy passed across my eyes for support.
and left them watery. I shrank back, A laugh sounded in front of me.
closing them. Through my quivering “That new twist,” someone barked.
lids I saw the words, “one way or “Page 0. Henry. ” It was Parmelee.
another. ’ ’ I was weak. Something was pull¬
I forced my eyes open and stared ing at my knees. I lost all enmity
again at the screen. -Miss Donner for Parmelee. A feeling of compas¬
was still being carried—and no one sion for those who didn’t know the
carried her. master surged over me.
Suddenly I remembered I was the “Parmelee,” I said gently, know¬
director. Martini was late for his ing he would never understand, “you
cue. He should have come into the don’t need to page O. Henry. He is
picture when the flap of the tent drew here.” My hand sought my heart,
back. Why didn’t he? I heard that and stayed there.
cackle in my ear. “So he is,” barked Parmelee, look¬
“You don’t expect a man to miss ing flippantly toward the screen.
his own funeral?” The Unfinished Story, an O. Henry
“Martini!” I shouted, whirling. two-reeler, had begun.

THE SWAMP
By CRISTEL HASTINGS
Night settles swiftly with its ghostly tread
Over the tangled swamp where trees lie dead,
Their stumps upright, like lonely shapes of men
Long lost in wet morass and shadowed glen.

A silence broods over the sodden aisles

Of lifelessness that stretch for aching miles
Beyond a moor where clouds hang, gray and cold,
Sinister roofing for a pond grown old.

Night gropes with ease about the stealthy weed

That sucks its life, a tawny, wind-blown reed,
From sodden flooring where mosquitoes hum
Their high soprano to the frogs’ shrill drum.

W. T.—3
Here Is the hast Part of

The Dark Chrysalis

By ELI COLTER
The Story So Far he felt intuitively that Mrs. Blauvette
was right. Saul had gone to Helene.
’ John Cloud and Henry Am, discovers the “She will hold him steady if any¬
microbe of cancer—a germ shaped like a devil¬
fish, that is visible only when stained with a com¬
one can,” he said, forcing himself to
bination of red and blue dye. He finds that both
his mother and Henry Arn are tainted with the
speak calmly. “We must take care
cancer-microbe, and works feverishly to find a cure
for the dread disease. He is spurred on by of Arn. Mrs. Blauvette, are you too
Helene Kinkaid’s faith in him. He cures guinea-
tired to give us a little aid?”.
pigs of cancer by injecting into their veins a
serum made of ether, water and rattlesnake “No. I think I shall never be tired
poison. Henry Arn takes the serum, and as he
again.”
is apparently recovering, Saul is persuaded to She smiled, and Whittly
give the serum to his mother. Then to his horror

T
saw her meaning in her face. “But
he finds that the serum has killed Henry Arn.
I am not afraid. Already the pain
HE four living in the room has lessened in my side. Death lay
froze to stunned unbelief. so close ahead anyway. What does it
Saul stared wildly at Arn’s matter ? It is worth so much to be
still white face, dumbly, like a man free from pain. But you two must
in a trance. His voice rose to a fran¬ be kind to Saul. He will need you,
tic scream. and he will need—Helene. I wish—
“God! What have I done! Damn, I wish I could have seen her. ’ ’
damn, damn, the stuff! I have killed “Oh, here, Mrs. Blauvette, we
my mother!” He hurled the bottle needn’t take that view of it, ’ ’ Whittly
and needle from him savagely, crash¬ cut in briskly. “We must hang on
ing them against the floor, and the to hope, at least. There are a number
odor of ether rose in the air as he of things to think of. Arn was much
rushed from the room. nearer the end of his rope than you.
The three he left behind looked at It may be that he was simply in too
each other with terrified eyes as they far advanced a stage to be saved.
heard his feet go running away from The human body is a great machine.
the laboratory down the hard-packed Give it half a chance and it will ac¬
path into the night. complish wonders, heal from incred¬
“He’ll do something desperate!” ible wounds and ravages. But it’s
Cloud cried shakily. like any other machine—it can be
“No,” Mrs. Blauvette answered worn too badly for any repair. That
with a strange serenity, a calm they may very logically have been the case
could not understand. “He will go with Arn.”
to Helene.” “ Yes, I had thought of that. ’ ’ Mrs.
Whittly started. It was the first Blauvette nodded, turning to look at
time he had ever heard her mention Cloud. “Do you have anything to
the girl’s name. Helene had told him offer, John?”
something of the strained silence that “I donJt exactly know.” Cloud
had existed between her and Saul’s frowned and hesitated. “But there
mother from the first, and he had may be something in this, too. It has
kept what he knew to himself. But acted on Henry exactly as 510 acted
This story began in WEIRD TALES for June
 THE DARK CHRYSALIS 243

on the animals. Perhaps the human one door which connected the living
body needs" a greater percentage of rooms with the laboratory.
the ether. We’ve always got to ex¬ ‘ ‘ Good Lord! I didn’t know there
periment on the human in the last was any kind of dissatisfaction with
test, you know, harsh as it sounds. us in the town. Does Saul know?”
Else, how can we know ? But I rather Cloud looked from Whittly to Mrs.
fancy that!'Doc’s hypothesis is pretty Blauvette, startled.
nearly correct. ’ ’ “He does not. Helene knows, but
“We’re going to believe that, any¬ we agreed it was wisest not to tell
way, ’ ’ Whittly asserted positively. him. We both thought he had
“And we’re going to strive to forget enough to worry about without our
oiirSelves for a while in taking care of adding to it. And then we both be¬
Henry.” lieve it will blow over.”
“Can’t we get him out of the “But what’s the matter with
house?” Cloud suggested. ‘ ‘ Wouldn’t them?” Mrs. Blauvette asked sharp¬
it be better if Saul didn’t see him ly. “Saul hasn’t been bothering
here when he returns? We can’t them in any way. He has been at¬
bury him tonight, but at least we can tending strictly to his own business.”
move him from here. We could take “Yes, that’s just it. He’s been at¬
him to yOur office temporarily. I tending too strictly to his own busi¬
could go get the car. If Saul came ness,” Whittly returned with dry
bhck before we did he wouldn’t miss sarcasm. “They want to attend to
the auto—he never uses it, you know. it for him. They resent his secrecy.
He’d rather walk, any time. ’ ’ You know how people are in the
“Your suggestion may be a good aggregate, how they look on scientific
one, but we don’t dare act on it.” experimenting. They don’t under¬
Whittly glanced at Mrs. Blauvette, stand. They imagine a thousand and
hesitating, then decided to give them one ghastly impossibilities. Granted,
both full cognizance of what was stir¬ the real experiments are nearly
ring in the town. “I haven’t spoken always ghastly enough, but they
of it to you before, because there was multiply them tenfold.”
nothing to be gained by it, and be¬ “Well, why shouldn’t Saul keep
cause I didn’t think there was any his work an absolute secret?” Cloud
real danger. But the town is fanatic¬ demanded, irritated at the thought of
ally incensed over the mystery that any intrusion on the part of the
surrounds this laboratory. They are populace. “It seems to me it was
threatening to raise a mob, come out the only thing to do.”
here and burn the buildings down. “I quite agree with you.” Whittly
Let alone, I believe such a sentiment smiled rather grimly. “But the peo¬
will die out of itself—simply wear ple don’t. They think Saul has been
itself out. But the people are too lip to all sorts of terrible things, and
badly aroused for us to dare taking they’re about ready to wreck this
any chances. Should anyone see us place. It’s a perfectly logical thing
carrying a dead body away from here to expect, given the mob spirit once
in the night, the town would be upon aroused and stirred over something
us in an hour. No—we ’ll have to keep they don’t understand. But we’re
Henry here, but we’ll move him into giving the matter too much thought
the laboratory for tonight, where entirely and-”
Saul won’t see him as he comes into “We’re going to give it a little
the house. And wee’ll lock that door to more thought,” Cloud cut in. “We
keep Saul out of there.” Whittly need to. Somebody is going to meet
nodded at the door down the hall, the with an unpleasant surprize if the
244 WEIRD TALES

people start anything like that. I’ve ears across the street—“ Henry’s
got a gun over here in my trunk— dead and I've killed my mother! ’ ’
and it’s loaded for business.” “Saul—no! No!”-
“Good enough. I have one my¬ “ It’s true! I’m half insane! Come
self, ’ ’ Whittly approved. “ I’ve been out to the hill with me!”
carrying it for the last week, every
He grasped her arm, pulling her
time I came out here. But we may
toward him and down the steps,
be fretting over a remote contingency
drawing her to keep pace with his
that will never mature into a crisis.
furiously hurrying feet as he turned
Mrs. Blauvette—if you’ll get me an
her toward the little birch-clad hill.
old sheet? We’ll make poor Henry
Neither of them saw the horror-frozen
ready for his last sleep.”
group of people huddled in the shad¬
ows across the street, people who
"pvowN through the night Saul
turned their heads to stare at each
raced, across the little hill that other in incensed dismay at the im¬
breathed the spirit of the girl he port of his words. Saul and Helene
loved and into the little town. Not went hurrying on, stricken to dumb¬
even in the streets did he stay his ness with their own terrible problem,
pace, but rushed headlong on to the while the group of people behind
house where Helene Kinkaid lived. them broke and ran rapidly in the
Many an eye watched him go, and opposite direction to spread the hid¬
many a brain already harassed by eous thing Saul had said.
dark suspicions regarding that lab¬
Upon the little hilltop Saul threw
oratory in the trees took fire at the
himself on the ground, buried his
sight of him running mad and hat¬
head in Helene’s lap, gripped her
less through the thoroughfare. By
convulsively with his arms and
the time he reached Helene’s door
poured out the story of the last few
more than a dozen people had col¬
terrible hours at the laboratory. She
lected into a following train, rush¬
held him, listening in panic. Her
ing to keep him in sight, taking the
heart shook smotheringly as he fin¬
opposite side of the street to prevent
ished what he had to tell.
his noticing their interest in him.
“And now what am I going to
Such precaution was unnecessary.
do?” Saul’s throat choked shut, and
In his state of mind he would have
he quivered from head to foot.
noticed nothing less than an earth¬
“You are coming with me.”
quake.
Helene drew him to his feet by sheer
He reached the house where Helene force with her strong hands, looked
lived, leaped up the steps and threw intently into his face and pointed
himself headlong at the door. Helene down the hill toward the laboratory.
heard the pound of his fists, and the “Dr. Whittly is sane, he will keep his
cry of his voice calling her. She head, but Cloud will need you—he
dropped the book she had been read¬ must be about crazed, too., And your
ing and rushed to admit him. mother will need us both. We can’t
“Helene!” he cried, as she opened think of ourselves, now. We’ve got
the door and he saw her startled face. to think of your mother.”
“Come with me to the hill!” “Helene, where are you going?”
“What’s wrong? Saul! You look “I am going at last where I have
like a corpse!” The girl caught his always wanted to be, where I belong.
shoulder and strove to shake him into I am going into your workroom with
coherent attention. “What’s wrong? ’ ’ you, and into the crisis to walk
“Henry”—Saul gasped, but his through with you to the end. I am
voice carried clearly to the straining going into that laboratory, to see if
 THE DARK CHRYSALIS 245

we can find some way out of this ter¬ On to the laboratory! Batter it,
rible disaster that seems to have de¬ wreck it, tear it to splinters! Bum
scended upon us. There may be it to the ground! If Saul Blauvette
some wild mistake. There may be burned with it, little matter! The
some shred of hope yet. God does not ghastly, mystery-shrouded, ghost-rid¬
desert his own!” She tugged at his den building must go!
arm and started down the hill. “I Down through the streets and out
am going to your mother. ’ ’ of the little town they surged, half
running in their spirit of destructive
T>ack in the town the alarmists had rage, jostling each other, trampling
raced from house to house, with each other, cursing the great barnlike
shouts and angry cries, broadcasting structure that few of them had ever
the thing they had heard, gathering seen. And five of the men in that
new recruits as they surged on. Over crazed throng carried waste and cans
the streets from tongue to tongue of inflammable oil. And three of them
flashed the report, gathering ugly carried, knowing it, cancers that ate
significance and rousing flaming fury into their living flesh, drove them
as it spread. Women stayed behind, sick with terror, and rushed them to
trailing the skirts of the mob, shout¬ the yawning grave from which none
ing to each other the infamy that had been able to save their ravaged
must be avenged, their outraged sense bodies.
of fanatical anger rising.
Saul Blauvette had come tearing W hittly and Cloud walked with
through the night, calling that Kin- slow, solemn steps into the light¬
kaid girl who worked in Whittly’s ed laboratory, carrying reverently be¬
office, crying that the man Arn was tween them the sheeted body of
dead and that he had killed his Henry Arn. Mrs. Blauvette stood in
mother! They had been right all the doorway and watched as they
along! Hideous things went on in paused by a bottle-littered table.
that mystery-shrouded laboratory! “Mrs. Blauvette, will you clear
No wonder those fiends had kept their away some of this rubbish so that we
work an utter secret! They were ex¬ can lay Henry here?” Whittly
perimenting on human beings! knew the value of busy hands, when
As they gathered and rushed on the brain is harassed by things be¬
toward the end of the town, the en¬ yond control.
raged minds of the people composing Mrs. Blauvette hurried forward,
that wild mob envisioned unspeak¬ brushed the bottles aside and made
able things. They saw people shut clear a space large enough to accom¬
in that grim-walled building, cut into modate the body. Gently Whittly
pieces and tortured to satisfy the and Cloud laid down the man who
gloating curiosity of merciless mon¬ had come, as he said, to give his life
sters.. They saw bodies and bones for science in this place. As they
and hideous bestial rites. They saw turned to leave the laboratory, Cloud
all the horrible things that lie in the paused and gestured at a shelf and
purlieus of subconscious thought, another table covered with number¬
ready to be roused into ghoulish life less bottles.
by inflamed brains. They poured “Doe, that’s 511. There are gal¬
down the street wildly,’ shrieking lons of it there.. Saul and I were so
their indignation, picking up sticks sure of what we had found at last
and stones and any destructive mis¬ that we made up enough to inject a
siles that came within reach of their hundred thousand people. And that
hands. big jug contains unadulterated rattle-
246 WEIRD TALES

snake poison: the cans by it are ether to the garage. They had moved all
cans—sufficient material there to of it but one last small armful which
make enough 511 to immunize the Cloud was gathering up, when they
world to cancer—Saul and I were get¬ heard the footsteps of Saul and
ting ready for the world. The stuff Helene running up the path outside.
may be worthless—and it may be the All of them turned to glance at the
answer to Saul’s dream after alL Sup¬ door, startled, as the scientist find
pose that bunch of fanatics in town the girl burst into their presence.
should get up a mob and come out “Mother!” Saul stared implor¬
here in the next few days, before we ingly into the eyes of the tall, gaunt
have time to determine the value of woman who had been silently pray¬
the solution-” ing for his return, and his hand
“Yes, you’re right,” Whittly cut gripped the girl’s arm. “Mother, I
in, turning with businesslike brisk¬ have brought you Helene.”
ness to Mrs. Blauvette. “John’s got Tense silence fell over the room,
a wise idea, and we’d better act on it. the silence seeming to belong to that
If you’ll help us, we’ll carry the 511 grim place. The two women looked
and all the raw materials out of here into each other’s eyes, and the three
and lock up the laboratory. But men stood hushed and waiting as
where the devil are we going to put Helene spoke.
the stuff?”
“I have come to you in the hour of
“Out in the garage,” John Cloud death, and in the hour of life. We
offered quickly. “It stands back a both so love your son—we both must
hundred yards in the trees—Saul see him through. I will not believe
wouldn’t have the stink of the gaso¬ that Saul has failed. There must be
line near the laboratory. As if a fel¬ some terrible mistake.”
low could ever smell it in this stench! “No. There can be no mistake.”
But the 511 would probably be safe Mrs. Blauvette shook her head in a
back there. If they did come out slow gesture of denial, and something
here and attack the laboratory they’d like relief lit her eyes as she studied
never think of going out to wreck the the girl’s face. “I am glad that you
garage, too. Frankly, I don’t think have come. I have wanted to see the
we’ve got a thing to worry about. I woman who will stand by my son—
don’t think they’ll ever eome near when I shall have passed. I am con¬
here. It’s all talk.” tent. But there can be no mistake.
“Well, I rather look at it that way Henry Am gave himself the solution
myself, but caching the solution is a 511. Saul gave it to me. And Henry
wise precaution.” Whittly stepped Arn is dead. ’ ’
to the table and began filling his ‘ ‘ Do you believe in God ? ’ ’ Helene’s
arms with the bottles numbered 511. mouth quivered. She took a step
“We’ll carry it into the house first, toward Saul’s mother, holding her
and then move it on to the garage. ” gaze with desperate calmness. “I
They worked quickly and efficient¬ tell you God has* been leading Saul.
ly, anxious to have the task off their He will not fail him now. He sent
hands, and in short time the bottles Saul to save the world!”
were moved to the living rooms, the “Maybe He sent you here, to save
lights extinguished in the big lab¬ us all,” Mrs. Blauvette answered
oratory, and the door locked between. steadily. “He works in mysterious
•Henry Am lay in the dark hush of ways. And if He sent you here, He
the place where he had done his life’s will lead you on. Still your mind
mad work, at peace, alone. Then the and think—does it come to you what
three began carrying the solution on we may do?”
 THE DARK CHRYSALIS 247

The girl stood motionless, her eyes ing some miracle, as he returned and
wide, straining for some tangible placed the bottle in her hand. She
thought, and as she so stood, staring examined it closely, holding it up to
into the older woman’s face, Saul the other one she had received from
noticed the bottles in Cloud’s arms Cloud. The two bottles were identi¬
and asked abruptly, “What are you cal, both numbered plainly in small
doing with the 511?” inked figures, 511. She put them
Cloud hesitated and glanced at both in her left hand, holding her
Whittly. The old doctor nodded. forefinger between them to keep from
confusing them with each other, and
“Yes, tell him. It’s time he knew.’’
pulled the corks with her right hand.
‘ ‘ Time I knew what ? ” Saul’s eyes
She sniffed lightly at the small glass
bored into Cloud’s.
necks, and abruptly her eyes lit with
“Why, it may amount to nothing,
a high light. Again she wheeled on
Saul, but Whittly tells me the town is
Saul.
pretty badly aroused, up in arms
“How did it act on Henry Am?
over the laboratory.” Helene caught
her breath in a sharp gasp, and her Tell me!”
gaze leaped to Saul’s great slate-gray “It acted exactly as 510 acted on
eyes, but Cloud went on quietly: the animals,” Saul answered, dazed
“They don’t like it because we’ve by the expression on her face.
been so secretive, and are imagining “Yes, it certainly did,” Cloud put
all sorts of ridiculously horrible in. “I can vouch for that. Mrs.
things as going on out here. They Blauvette can verify that that is what
threaten to come out and wreck the I told her a while ago.”
place. Doc and I thought we’d bet¬ “Oh, there’s no doubt of its ac¬
ter move the solution to the garage tion,” Saul returned. “If it had
where it would be safe in case the been 510 that Henry took, I’d know
people should become fanatical that we’d won the day. I’d know be¬
enough to mob the buildings. We’ve yond all doubt that the action carried
moved it all but this.” through into humans precisely the
“I want to see a bottle of it!” same. Helene! What is it? What
Helene’s voice cut in, and she stepped do you think? What do you knowt”
toward Cloud, holding out her hand. “It was 510 that Henry used!”
Wonderingly Cloud gave her one of The girl held the two bottles toward
the small bottles, and she turned it him, her eyes aflame. “Smell them
over in her fingers, looking at it —the one Henry used contains no
closely. Suddenly she wheeled on ether!’ ’
Saul. “Where’s the bottle Henry With a loud cry Saul leaped to¬
used? Get it, quickly!” ward her and snatched the bottles,
“Why? What does it matter raising them alternately to his nos¬
which he used?” Saul frowned in trils.
puzzlement. “They’re all alike.” “God!” He turned a whitened
“Don’t question her,” Mrs. Blau- eountenanee to his mother. “She’s
vette commanded, her eyes still on the right! See that small bubble—that
girl’s face. “I tell you she was sent; flaw on the edge of this bottle-neck?
go get her the bottle. It’s on the It’s queerly shaped—like a cross. I
window-sill in Henry’s room, where remember! I took this bottle down to
he left it.” > empty the 510 out of it and refill it
Saul started in surprize, but went with 511. John called me out, and I
to get the bottle without a backward went and left it standing there. I’d
look, and three pairs of eyes centered already marked it 511, and we were
on Helene intently, as though await¬ so badly used up and excited that I
248 WEIRD TALES

forgot to go back and change the Still no one moved to obey the old
solution in it. The cross—the cross doctor’s imperative commands. Saul
on the neck! Apropos! A cross! stood watching the two women,
Henry died in vain!” clasped in each others’ arms. Helene
“No—he did not die in vain! He shook her head slowly, but it was
died for the cause he slaved to bring Mrs. Blauvette who spoke.
to fulfilment. He died for the world. “No. We will stay here—with
He died that you might know, beyond Saul. We have stood by him too long
all doubt. He died that others might to change. We are standing by
live!” Mrs. Blauvette’s voice rose in him now.”
an exultant cry as she stepped swiftly “Saul—make them go!” Whittly
forward, caught the girl in her arms demanded furiously.
and turned to her son. “See! 510
“No,” Saul denied, his eyes on his
acted the same on him as it did on the
mother’s face. “And I shall not go.
animals. You and John both said it.
I shall stand by my workshop-”
Then 511 will act on humans—on me
‘ ‘ Lord, they ’re here! ’ ’ Cloud burst
—the same as it did on the guinea-
into the room, leaped to his trunk
pig ! Saul—you have saved mankind
against the wall and whipped put a
from hell! I know! And Helene
was sent to save us all when we were loaded revolver. “They’re a bunch
of madmen! They’ll do something
crazed with fear!”
murderous if we don’t stop them!”
“For God’s sake, listen! What’s
that?” Whittly caught Saul’s arm “Saul, you mad fool, you and the
and turned toward the window, his women stay here! It’s too late to
face paling. Tense silence flashed make the garage now. John and I
over the room, and five people held are going out there armed. You leave
their breaths, - listening. that crazy mob to me! They all know
me—they may listen to me! ” Whittly
O utside in the night, down the pulled an ugly-looking weapon from
his pocket and motioned to Cloud.
road toward the laboratory, came
“Come on, John! Shoot if you have
the tramp of hurrying, ruthless feet.
to!”
The sound of angry shouts, curses
and threats rose in the air, as yet a The next instant Whittly and
little way distant, but breaking into Cloud had dashed out the door, dart¬
the stillness of the room with ugly ed along the side of the house and
menace. come to a halt in front of the labora¬
“The mob!” Whittly whirled on tory. The first of the mob had
the others, snapping concise orders. already passed to the other side of the
“Saul, you’ve got to get out of sight, great building, among them the men
quick! John, take that 511 to the carrying the waste and the inflam¬
garage as fast as you can run, come mable oil. Whittly leaped to the
back here and get your gun. I’ll be door and snapped on the huge flood¬
waiting for you. You two women go light that illuminated the front of the
to the garage with John, and stay structure. The glow swept out in a
there till I come for you. Run, wide arc, bringing into sharp relief
John! There’s no time to waste!” the rage-distorted faces of the ad¬
Cloud leaped out of the door with vancing throng, eyes glaring with in¬
a curse, running swiftly toward the sane fury, mouths gaping and
garage, but none of the others moved. screaming curses, threats and wild
‘ ‘ Go on, Helene! You ’re in danger cries.
here! You and Mrs. Blauvette get They halted a moment involun¬
to the garage. Take Saul with you! ’ ’ tarily, surprized by the swift flash of
 THE DARK CHRYSALIS 249

light, and the sudden appearance of Blauvette :s mother was so near death
Whittly-and Cloud with drawn guns. that he gave the solution to her. Then
“Stop!” Whittly’s shout echoed Arn died. Blauvette was nearly
harshly through the instant hush crazed, he thought he’d killed his
caused by their surprize. “The first mother. But Arn had taken the
one that makes another move, I wrong solution—and Mrs. Blauvette
shoot! .And I ’ll shoot to hit! You ’re is alive, made whole again, as you can
mad! You’re a mob of fanatical be made whole. Saul Blauvette has
idiots, come to annoy a man who has conquered cancer!”
been giving his life’s blood to save A great shout rose in the crowd.
you and all mankind from worse than “If she’s healed bring her out.”
death!” ‘ ‘ Bring her out—let us see her! ’ ’
“He’s been experimenting upon Behind the doctor Mrs. Blauvette
people! ’ ’ shrieked someone out in the and Helene stepped into sight, one on
crowd. Another voice took it up, and each side of Saul. Whittly paled,
another, till the cry rose to a mad¬ holding his breath as he caught sight
dened roar. “He’s been killing hu¬ of them. But the thing was done.
man beings for his damnable experi¬ The mob that had come to destroy,
ments.” “He killed that fellow stayed to cheer.
Arn!” “He killed his mother!” “Blauvette! Blauvette! God save
“He said so himself, we heard him!” Blauvette! Blauvette has conquered
“This building has got to go!” cancer!’ ’
‘ ‘ The fiend killed his mother! ’ ’ They advanced toward him, shout¬
“He did not! Listen to me! He ing his name, cheering and crying in
saved her life!” Whittly’s shout cut hysterical abandon, swayed to mad
through their rage, and their long fervor of applause by the thing this
acquaintance with the doctor, their man had done. And Cloud’s cry
respect for him and his word, held broke above the sound of their shouts
them in muttering half-quietude to in startled dismay:
hear him out. “He’s found a cure “Good God! They’ve set fire to
for cancer! Cancer, do you hear me ? the laboratory!”
Corcoran—I see you out there. I see Whittly wheeled to stare where
you, Jordan, and you, Masterson. All Cloud pointed. On the other side of
three of you have cancers—and you the huge building flame and smoke
know that I know it! Do you want to sent up their first menacing pillar
die, horribly, as Elfield died last and glow. The crowd began to back
week? Or do you want this man to qway, stumbling over each other in
put life into your veins and make you their wild haste, and Whittly called
whole?” frantically:
A stunned silence held the mob, “Henry! Henry Am’s body is in
shaken at the import of what Whittly the laboratory!”
had said. Then the voice of the man “Let him stay!” Saul’s answer
Corcoran answered belligerently: “If rose above the increasing crackle of
he saved his mother from cancer why the flames. “He’d rather have it
did he say he killed her?” that way! Let him pass with the
“Arn took the solution himself!” laboratory that was his love and his
Whittly answered, breathing in a life! He would be glad, if he knew!
little relief, knowing that he had got Let. him stay!”
their attention. “Blauvette refused In a. reverent, silent group, Saul,
to give it to him till he was sure of Cloud, Whittly and the two women
its action. Arn took it himself. Arn stood withdrawn from the heat of the
appeared to be getting better, and rising, roaring flames, backed by the
250 WEIRD TALES

awed, hushed crowd. And Saul ing on others, some carried on

thought of the night that Henry had stretchers, wan-faced, hardly daring
spoken of Servetus. He remembered to believe in the saving mercy of the
his strange premonition—the scorch¬ formula 511.
ing heat of fire, the cries of an angry Saul Blauvette, weary, worn, white
mob, the choking gusts of billowing and radiant, ordered the crew of
smoke. The great dream was ful¬ madly busy assistants, while John
filled, the battle won. It was fitting Cloud, Whittly, Helene and Mrs.
that Henry should so go out into Blauvette moved swiftly among them,
eternity, in the great laboratory razed carrying bottles and needles filled
by lurid flames, a mighty funeral with 511 and watching the tide of
pyre. humanity come and go. Dying men
and women, released from the grave,
T he next day the news broke. Over threw their hands high in a gesture
the whole world, by the press, by of gratitude to God and blessed the
radio and cable flashed a message that name of Saul Blauvette. His mother,
staggered the population of the earth. pausing to glance into his enormous
Saul Blauvette had conquered can¬ slate-gray eyes, bowed her head in
cer! Cancer! That hideous thing humility before the star in his fore¬
that came, none knew whence or how, head that shone on all the world.
that ate into the flesh and destroyed “Doe!” Saul caught Whittly’s
life, was now itself to be forever de¬ arm. “Look at their eyes! They’ve
stroyed. Saul Blauvette! The name come into the light! The dark chrys¬
was on ten million tongues. He had alis is shattered! But I’m still young.
not discovered the origin of the can¬ Helene and I can’t stop here. Tell
cer germ. What need now to know? me what other horror menaces the
He had discovered the germ itself, world. Tell me what to taekle next. ”
he offered to all humanity the power¬ “Next!” Whittly stared at him,
ful serum that ended the life of the and his mother and Helene stood very
microbe and healed the stricken. still just beyond. On his forehead!
Cancer! Saul Blauvette. What a star! Whittly went on slow¬
The world went wild.. Men shout¬ ly: “You’ve done your work., The
ed in incredulous wonder. Women world knows you for the greatest of
wept. Out of the dark chrysalis of the great.”
their fear men and women came “Every man’s greatness must be
bursting into the light, crying the measured by the quantity of his con¬
savior name of Saul Blauvette—Blau¬ tribution,” Saul answered, his voice
vette, who offered salvation to the deep with exaltation. “It seemed a
horror-ridden, refusing to take a cent big thing at first—now it seems so
from them, asking only the privilege little. I’ve got to go on giving! ’ ’
of* making them whole. In droves “To the great all things are
they came to surround the office of small,” breathed Mrs. Blauvette,
old Doc Whittly, crowding like sheep. smiling into Helene’s shining eyes.
Some came walking with heads held “He will go on forever. You cm not
high in hope, some weeping and lean¬ stay a star!”
[THE END]
“A gigantic, loathsome black shadow
was climbing from the grave and
floundering gruesomely toward the
church.”

N OT all of the few remaining'

inhabitants of Daalbergen,
he is not in that grave now.
almost feel him behind me as I
I can
write,
that dismal little village in impelling me to tell the truth about
the Ramapo Mountains, believe that those strange happenings in Daal¬
my uncle, old Dominie Vanderhoof, bergen so many years ago.
is really dead. Some of them believe It was the fourth day of October
he is suspended somewhere between when I arrived at Daalbergen in an¬
heaven and hell because of the old swer to a summons. The letter was
sexton’s curse. If it had not been from a former member of my uncle’s
for that old magician, he might still congregation, who wrote that the old
be preaching in the little damp man had passed away and that there
church across the moor. should be some small estate which I,
After what has happened to me in as his only living relative, might in¬
Daalbergen, I can almost share the herit. Having reached the secluded
opinion of the villagers. I am not little hamlet by a wearying series of
sure that my uncle is dead, but I am changes on branch railways, I found
very sure that he is not alive upon my way to the grocery store of Mark
this earth. There is no doubt that Haines, writer of the letter, and he,
the old sexton buried him once, but leading me into a stuffy back room,
251
252 WEIRD TALES

told me a peculiar tale concerning of the people moved away to better

Dominie Vanderhoof ’a death. localities, while those who had large
“Y> should be careful, Hoffman,” holdings of land in the vicinity took
Haines told me, “when y’ meet that to farming and managed to wrest a
old sexton, Abel Foster. He’s in meager living from the rocky hill¬
league with the devil, sure’s you’re sides. Then came the disturbances
alive. ’Twa’n’t two weeks ago Sam in the church. It was whispered
Pryor, when he passed the old grave¬ about that the Reverend Johannes
yard, heared him mumblin’ t’ the Vanderhoof had made a compact
dead there. ’Twa’n’t right he with the devil, and was preaching
should talk that way—an’ Sam does his word in the house of God. His
vow that there was a voiee answered sermons had become weird and gro¬
him—a kind o’ half-voice, hollow tesque—redolent with sinister things
and muffled-like, as though it come which the ignorant people of Daal¬
out o’ th’ ground. There’s others, bergen did not understand. He
too, as could tell y’ about seein’ him transported them back over ages of
standin’ afore old Dominie Slott’s fear and superstition to regions of
grave—that one right agin’ the hideous, unseen spirits, and peopled
church wall—a-wringin’ his hands their fancy with night-haunting
an’ a-talkin’ t’ th’ moss on th’ tomb¬ ghouls. One by one the congrega¬
stone as though it was the old tion dwindled, while the elders and
Dominie himself. ” deacons vainly pleaded with Vander¬
Old Foster, Haines said, had eome hoof to ehange the subject of his ser¬
to Daalbergen about ten years be¬ mons. Though the old man contin¬
fore, and had been immediately en¬ ually promised to eomply, he seemed
gaged by Vanderhoof to take care of to be enthralled by some higher
the damp stone church at which most power which forced him to do its
of the villagers worshiped. No one will.
but Vanderhoof seemed to like him, A giant in stature, Johannes Van¬
for his presence brought a sugges¬ derhoof was known to be weak and
tion almost of the' uncanny. He timid at heart, yet even when threat¬
would sometimes stand by the door ened with expulsion he continued his
when the people came to church, andy eery sermons, until scarcely a hand¬
the men would coldly return his ser¬ ful of people remained to listen to
vile bow while the women brashed him on Sunday morning. Because of
past in haste, holding their skirts weak finances, it was found impossi¬
aside to avoid touching him. He could ble to call a new pastor, and before
be seen on week days cutting the long not one of the villagers dared
grass in the eemetery and tending venture near the church or the par¬
the flowers around the graves, now sonage which adjoined it. Every¬
and then erooning and muttering to where there was fear of those spec¬
himself. And few failed to notice tral wraiths with whom Vanderhoof
the particular attention he paid to was apparently In league.
the grave of the Reverend Guilliam My uncle, Mark Haines told me,
Slott, first pastor of the church in had continued to live in the parson¬
1701. age because there was no one with
It was not long after Foster’s es¬ sufficient eourage to tell him to move
tablishment as a village fixture that out of it. No one ever saw him
disaster began to lower. First eame again, but lights were visible in the
the failure of the mountain mine parsonage at night, and were even
where most of the men worked. The glimpsed in the church, from time to
vein of iron had given out, and many time. It was whispered about the
 TWO BLACK BOTTLES 253

town that Vanderhoof preached reg¬ and with those spirits which lurked
ularly in the church every Sunday within the graveyard walls.
morning, unaware that his congrega¬ One morning, Haines went on to
tion was no longer there to listen. He say, Foster was seen digging a grave
had only the old sexton, who lived where the steeple of the church
in the basement of the church, to throws its shadow in the afternoon,
take care of him, and Foster made a before the sun goes down behind the
weekly visit to what remained of the mountain and puts the entire village
in semi-twilight. Later, the church
business section of the village to buy
bell, silent for months, tolled sol¬
provisions. He no longer bowed ser¬
emnly for a half-hour. And at sun¬
vilely to everyone he met, but instead
down those who were watching from
seemed to harbor a demoniac and ill-
a distance saw Foster bring a coffin
coneealed hatred. He spoke to no
from the parsonage on a wheelbar¬
one except as was necessary to make
row, dump it into the grave with
his purchases, and glanced from left
slender ceremony, and replace the
to right out of evil-filled eyes as he
earth in the hole.
walked the street with his cane tap¬
The sexton eame to the village the
ping the uneven pavements. Bent
next morning, ahead of his usual
and shriveled with extreme age, bis
weekly schedule, and in much better
presence could actually be felt by
spirits than was customary. He
anyone near him, so powerful was seemed willing to talk, remarking
that personality which, said the that Vanderhoof had died the day
townspeople, had made Vanderhoof before, and that he had buried his
accept the devil as his master. No body beside that of Dominie Stott
person in Daalbergen doubted that near the church wall. He smiled
Abel Foster was at the bottom of all from time to time, whieh was unu¬
the town’s ill luck, but not a one sual for him, and rubbed his hands in
dared lift a finger against him, or an untimely and unaccountable glee.
could even approach him without a It was apparent that he took a per¬
tremor of fear. His name, as well as verse and diabolie delight in Van¬
Vanderhoof’s, was never mentioned derhoof’s death. The villagers were
aloud. Whenever the matter of the conscious of an added uncanniness
church across the moor was dis¬ in his presence, and avoided him as
cussed, it was in whispers; and if the mueh as they could. With Vander¬
conversation chanced to be noctur¬ hoof gone they felt more insecure
nal, the whisperers would keep glanc¬ than ever, for the old sexton was
ing over their shoulders to make sure now free to cast his worst spells over
that nothing shapeless or sinister the town from the church across the
crept out of the darkness to bear moor. Muttering something in a
witness to their words. tongue which no one understood,
The churchyard continued to be Foster made his way back along the
kept just as green and beautiful as road over the swamp.
when the church was in use, and the It was then, it seems, that Mark
flowers near the graves in the ceme¬ Haines remembered having heard
tery were tended just as carefully Dominie Vanderhoof speak of me as
as in times gone by. The old sexton his nephew. Haines accordingly
could occasionally be seen working sent for me, in the hope that I might
there, as if still being paid for his know something which would dear
services, and those who dared ven¬ up the mystery of my uncle’s last
ture near said that he maintained a years. I assured my summoner, how¬
continual conversation with the devil ever, that I knew nothing about my
254 WEIRD TALES

uncle or his past, except that my T had walked barely two minutes be-
mother had mentioned him as a man before I sighted the moor of which
of gigantic physique but with little Haines had spoken. The road,
courage or power of will. flanked by a whitewashed fence,
passed over the great swamp, which
H aving heard all that Haines had was overgrown with clumps of un¬
derbrush dipping down into the
to tell me, I lowered the front
legs of my chair to the floor and dank, slimy ooze. An odor of dead¬
looked at my watch. It was late ness and decay filled the air, and
afternoon. even in the sunlit afternoon little
wisps of vapor could be seen rising
“How far is it out to the church?”
from the unhealthful spot.
I inquired. “Think I can make it
before sunset?” On the opposite side of the moor I
turned sharply to the left, as I had
“Sure, lad, y’ ain’t goin’ out there
been directed, branching from the
t’night! Not t’ that place!” The old
main road. There were several
man trembled noticeably in every
houses in the vicinity, I noticed;
limb and half rose from his chair,
houses which were scarcely more
stretching out a lean, detaining
than huts, reflecting the extreme
hand. “Why, it’s plumb foolish¬
poverty of their owners. The road
ness!” he exclaimed.
here passed under the drooping
I laughed aside his fears and in¬
branches of enormous willows which
formed him that, come what may, I
almost completely shut out the rays
was determined to see the old sexton
of the sun. The miasmal odor of the
that evening and get the whole mat¬
swamp was still in my nostrils, and
ter over as soon as possible. I did
the air was damp and chilly. I hur¬
not intend to accept the superstitions
ried my pace to get out of that dis¬
of ignorant country folk as truth, for
mal tunnel as soon as possible.
I was convinced that all I had just
Presently I found myself in the
heard was merely a chain of events
light again. The sun, now hanging
which the over-imaginative people of
like a red ball upon the crest of the
Daalbergen had happened to link
mountain, was beginning to dip low,
with their ill-luck. I felt no sense
and there, some distance ahead of
of fear or horror whatever.
me, bathed in its bloody iridescence,
Seeing that I was determined to stood the lonely church. I began to
reach my uncle’s house before night¬ sense that uncanniness which Haines
fall, Haines ushered me out of his had mentioned; that feeling of dread
office and reluctantly gave me the which made all Daalbergen shun the
few required directions, pleading place. The squat, stone hulk of the
from time to time that I change my church itself, with its blunt steeple,
mind. He shook my hand when I seemed like an idol to which the
left, as though he never expected to tombstones that surrounded it bowed
see me again. down and worshiped, each with an
“Take keer that old devil, Foster, arched top like the shoulders of a
don’t git ye!” he warned, again and kneeling person, while over the
again. “I wouldn’t go near him whole assemblage the dingy, gray
after dark fer love n’r money. No parsonage hovered like a wraith.
siree!” He re-entered his store, I had slowed my pace a trifle as I
solemnly shaking his head, while I took in the scene.- The sun was dis¬
set out along a road leading to the appearing behind the mountain very
outskirts of the town. rapidly now, and the damp air
 TWO BLACK BOTTLES 255

chilled me. Turning my coat collar for the hundredth time, where the
up about my neck, I plodded on. old sexton might be.
Something caught my eye as I As I stood there, half expecting
glanced up again. In the shadow of some sinister demon to creep from
the church wall was something white the shadows, I noticed two lighted
—a thing which seemed to have no windows glaring from the belfry of
definite, shape. Straining my eyes as the church. I then remembered what
I came nearer, I saw that it was a Haines had told me about Foster’s
cross of new timber, surmounting a living in the basement of the build¬
mound of freshly-turned earth. The ing. Advancing cautiously through
discovery sent a new chill through the blackness, I found a side door of
me. I realized that this must be my the church ajar.
uncle’s grave, but something told me The interior had a musty and mil¬
that it was not like the other graves dewed odor. Everything which I
near it. It did not seem like a dead touched was covered with a cold,
clammy moisture. I struck a match
grave. In some intangible way it
and began to explore, to discover, if
appeared to be living, if a grave can
I could, how to get into the belfry.
be said to live. Very close to it, I
Suddenly I stopped in my tracks.
saw as I came nearer, was another
grave; an old mound with a crum¬ A snatch of song, loud and ob¬
bling stone above it. Dominie Slott’s scene, sung in a voice that was gut¬
tomb, I thought, remembering tural and thick with drink, came
Haines’ story. from above me. The match burned
my fingers, and I dropped it. Two
There was no sign of life anywhere
pin-points of light pierced the dark¬
about the place. In the semi-twi->
ness of the farther wall of the
light I climbed the low knoll upon
church, and below them, to one side,
which the parsonage stood, and ham¬
I could see a door outlined where
mered upon the door. There was no
light filtered through its cracks. The
answer. I skirted the house and
song stopped as abruptly as it had
peered into the windows. The whole commenced, and there was absolute
place seemed deserted. silence again. My heart was thump¬
The lowering mountains had made ing and blood racing through my
night fall with disarming suddenness temples. Had I not been petrified
the minute the sun was fully hidden. with fear, I should have fled imme¬
I realized that I could see scarcely diately.
more than a few feet ahead of me. Not caring to light another match,
Feeling my way carefully, I rounded I felt my way among the pews until
a corner of the house and paused, I stood in front of the door. So deep
wondering what to do next. was the feeling of depression which
Everything was quiet. There was had come over me that I felt as
fiot a breath of wind, nor were there though I were acting in a dream.
even the usual noises made by ani¬ My actions were almost involuntary.
mals in their nocturnal rairiblings. The door was locked, as I found
All dread had been forgotten for a when I turned the knob. I hammered
time, but in the presence of that upon it for some time, but there was
sepulchral calm my apprehensions no answer. The silence was as .com¬
returned. I imagined the air peo¬ plete as before. Feeling around the
pled with ghastly spirits that edge of the door, I found the hinges,
pressed around me, making the air removed the pins from them, and
almost unbreathable. I wondered, flowed the door to fall toward me.
 WEIRD TALES

Dim light flooded down a steep flight He seemed to understand vaguely

of steps. There was a siekening odor and sank back into his chair, sitting
of whisky. I could now hear some¬ limp and motionless.
one stirring in the belfry room “Ithought ye was him,” he mum¬
above. Venturing a low halloo, I bled. “I thought ye was him come
thought I heard a groan in reply, back fer it. He’s been a-tryin ’ t ’ get
and cautiously climbed the stairs. out—a-tryin’ t’ get out sence I put
him in there.” His voice again rose
M y first glance into that unhal¬ to a scream and he clutched his
chair. “Maybe he’s got out now!
lowed place was indeed star¬
tling. Strewn about the little room Maybe he’s out! ’ ’
were old and dusty books and manu¬ I looked about, half expecting to
scripts—strange things that bespoke see some spectral shape coming up
almost unbelievable age. On rows of the stairs.
shelves which reached to the ceiling “Maybe who’s out?” I inquired-
were horrible things in glass jars and
* ‘ Vanderhoof! ” he shrieked. “ Th?
bottles—snakes and lizards and bats.
cross over his grave keeps failin’
Dust and mold and cobwebs en¬
down in th ’ night! Every morning
crusted everything. In the center,
the earth is loose, and gets harder t’
behind a table upon which was a
pat down. He’ll come out an’ I
lighted candle, a nearly empty bottle
won’t be able t’ do nothin’.”
of whisky, and a glass, was a mo¬
Forcing him back into the chair,
tionless figure with a thin, scrawny,
I seated myself on a box near him.
wrinkled face and wild eyes that
He was trembling in mortal terror,
stared blankly through me. I recog¬
with the saliva dripping from the
nized Abel Foster, the old sexton, in
corners of his mouth. From time to
an instant. He did not move or
time I felt that sense of horror
speak as I came slowly and fearfully
which Haines had described when he
toward him.
told me of the old sexton. Truly,
“Mr. Foster?” I asked, trembling
there was something uncanny about
with unaccountable fear when I
the man. His head had now sunk
heard my voice echo within the close
forward upon his breast, and he
confines of the room. There was no seemed calmer, mumbling to himself.
reply, and no movement from the
I quietly arose and opened a win¬
figure behind the table. I wondered
dow to let out the fumes of whisky
if he had not drunk himself to in¬
and the musty odor of dead things.
sensibility, and went behind the table Light from a dim moon, just risen,
to shake him. made objects below barely visible. I
At the mere touch of my arm upon could just see Dominie Vanderhoof’s
his shoulder, the strange old man grave from my position in the belfry,
started from his chair as though ter¬ and blinked my eyes as I gazed at it.
rified. His eyes, still having in them That cross was tilted! I remem¬
that same blank stare, were fixed bered that it had been vertical an
upon me. Swinging his arms like hour ago. Fear took possession of
flails, he backed away. me again. I turned quickly. Foster
“Don’t!” he screamed. “Don’t sat in his chair watching me. His
touch me! Go back—go back!” glanee was saner than before.
I saw that he was both drunk and “So ye’re Vanderhoof’s nephew,”
struck with some kind of a nameless he mumbled in a nasal tone. “Waal,
terror. Using a soothing tone, I told ye might’s well know it all. He’ll
him who I was and why I had come. be back arter me afore long,, he will
 TWO BLACK BOTTLES 257

—jus’ as soon as he can get out o’ preached strange and mystic sermons
that there grave. Ye might’s well which struck fear into the simple
know all about it now.” hearts of the country folk. From his
His terror appeared to have left position in the belfry room, he said,
him. He seemed resigned to some behind a painting of the temptation
horrible fate which he expected any of Christ which adorned the rear
minute. His head dropped down wall of the church, he would glare
upon his chest a^ain, and he went on at Vanderhoof while he was preach¬
muttering in that nasal monotone. ing, through holes which were the
“Ye see all them there books and eyes of the Devil in the picture.
papers? Waal, they was once Dom¬ Terrified by the uncanny things
inie Slott’s—Dominie Slott, who was which were happening in their midst,
here years ago. All them things the congregation left one by one, and
is got t’ do with magic—black Foster was able to do what he
magic that th’ old dominie knew pleased with the church and with
afore he come t’ this country. Vanderhoof.
They used t’ bum ’em an’ boil
“But what did you do with him?”
’em in oil fer knowin’ that over
I asked in a hollow voice as the old
there, they did. But old Slott knew,
sexton paused in his confession. He
and he didn’t go fer t’ tell nobody.
burst into a cackle of laughter,
No sir, old Slott used to preach here
throwing back his head in drunken
generations ago, an’ he used to come
glee.
up here an’ study them books, an’
‘ ‘ I took his soul! ” he howled in a
use all them dead things in jars, an’
tone that set me trembling. “I took
pronounce magic curses an’ things,
his soul and put it in a bottle—in a
but he didn’t let nobody know it.
No, nobody knowed it but Dominie little black bottle! And I buried
him! But he ain’t got his soul, an’
Slott an’ me.”
he cain’t go neither t’ heaven n’r
“You?” I ejaculated, leaning
hell! But he’s a-comin’ back after
across the table toward him.
it. He’s a-tryin’ t’ get out o’ his
“That is, me after I learned it.” grave now. I can hear him pushin’
His face showed lines of trickery as his way up through the ground, he’s
he answered me. “I found all this that strong!”
stuff here when I come t’ be church
sexton, an’ I used t’ read it when I
wa’n’t at work. An’ I soon got t’
A s the old man had proceeded
with his story, I had become
know all about it. ”
more and more convinced that he
The old man droned on, while I must be telling me the truth, and not
listened, spellbound. He told about merely gibbering in drunkenness.
learning the difficult formulae of Every detail fitted what Haines had
demonology, so that, by means of in¬ told me. Fear was growing upon me
cantations, he could cast spells over by. degrees. With the old wizard
human beings. He had performed now shouting with demoniac laugh¬
horrible occult rites of his hellish ter, I was tempted to bolt down the
creed, calling down anathema upon narrow stairway and leave that ac¬
the town and its inhabitants. Crazed cursed neighborhood. To calm my¬
by his desires, he tried to bring the self, I rose and again looked out of
church under his spell, but the power the window. My eyes nearly started
of God was too strong. Finding from their sockets when I saw that
Johannes Vanderhoof very weak- the cross above Vanderhoof’s grave
willed, he bewitched him so that he had fallen perceptibly since I had
258 WEIRD TALES

last looked at it. It was now tilted “Curse ye!” said the voice again,
to an angle of forty-five degrees! hardly sounding as though it came
“Can’t we dig up Vanderhoof and from his lips. “I’m done fer! That
restore his soul?” I asked almost one in there was mine! Dominie
breathlessly, feeling that something Slott took it out two hundred years
must be done in a hurry. The old ago!”
man rose from his ehair in terror. He slid slowly toward the floor,
“No, no, nof” he screamed. “He’d gazing at me with hatred in eyes that
kill me! I’ve fergot th’ formula, an’ were rapidly dimming. His flesh
if he gets out he 11 be alive, without a changed from white to black, and
soul. He’d kill us both!” then to yellow. I saw with horror
“Where is the bottle that contains that his body seemed to be crum¬
his soul ? ” I asked, advancing threat¬ bling away and his clothing falling
eningly toward him. I felt that some into limp folds.
ghastly thing was about to happen, The bottle in my hand was grow¬
which I must do all in my power to ing warm. I glanced at it, fearfully.
prevent. It glowed with a faint phosphor¬
“I won’t tell ye, ye young whelp!” escence. Stiff with fright, I set it
he snarled. I felt, rather than saw, upon the table, but could not keep
a queer light in his eyes as he backed my eyes from it. There was an omi¬
into a corner. “An’ don’t ye touch nous moment of silence as its glow
me, either, or ye’ll wish ye hadn’t!” became brighter, and then there came
I moved a step forward, noticing distinctly to my ears the sound of
that on a low stool behind him there sliding earth. Gasping for breath, I
were two black bottles. Foster mut¬ looked out of the window. The moon
tered some peculiar words in a low, was now well up in the sky, and by
singsong voice. Everything began its light I could see that the fresh
to turn gray before my eyes, and cross above Vanderhoof’s grave had
something within me seemed to be completely fallen. Once again there
dragged upward, trying to get out came the sound of trickling gravel,
at my throat. I felt my knees be¬ and no longer able to control myself,
come weak. I stumbled down the stairs and
Lurching forward, I caught the found my way out of doors. Falling
old sexton by the throat, and with now and then as I raced over the un¬
my free arm reached for the bottles even ground, I ran on in abject ter¬
on the stool. But the old man fell ror. When I had reached the foot of
backward, striking the stool with his the knoll, at the entrance to that
foot, and one bottle fell to the floor gloomy tunnel beneath the willows,
as I snatched the other. There was a I heard a horrible roar behind me.
flash of blue flame, and a sulfurous Turning, I glanced back toward the
smell filled the room. From the little church. Its wall reflected the light
heap of broken glass a white vapor of the moon, and silhouetted against
rose and followed the draft out the it was a gigantic, loathsome, black
window. shadow climbing from my uncle’s
grave and floundering gruesomely
“Curse ye, ye rascal!” sounded a
toward the church.
voice that seemed faint and far away.
Foster, whom I had released when
the bottle broke, was crouching T told my story to a group of vil-
against the wall, looking smaller and lagers in Haines’ store the next
more shriveled than before. His face morning. They looked from one to
was slowly turning greenish-black. (Continued on page 287)
WHO KILLED
JAC
BV rob eccr \jttws€

“Surely, she thought, this

must he a knight-errant of
the olden days, and the fat
gentleman is his squire.”

I T IS a supernatural, exciting, aye,

an almost unbelievable tale
offered. I do feel, though, that what
I am about to tell will shed some light
(though I vouch for its truth) on the mystery connected with Jack
that pretty little Kittie Robbins told Robbins’ death. It might also en¬
from her heap of silken cushions lighten you as to what you can expect
amidst the reek of smoldering punk, to find when you pass beyond the
tinkling of chimes, clang of cymbals, grave.
and the soft pattering of slippered Neither would I have my readers
feet in Yen Mott Lee’s establishment conclude that I might have been un¬
hard by the waterfront. der the influence of drugs or strong
Because I know (from newspaper drink. I was perfectly sober. I will
accounts) that relatives, officials of a admit, though—for fear that I might
well-known insane asylum, and the have been seen there—that I stopped
police of many cities have been mak¬ in Joe Dugan’s place at Shipway and
ing a world-wide search for Kittie, Highland streets, took one drink as a
who disappeared a few days after the matter of respect for the bartender (I
death of her husband, I wish to in¬ know the bartender; it’s beastly stuff
form them of the girl’s whereabouts. he hands out in Dugan’s near-beer sa¬
I desire, also, to add that I am not at loon—nothing at all like the brew he
all interested in the reward they have sold before the days of prohibition)
 WEIRD TALES

and then went down to Yen Mott I could not resist the temptation
Lee’s place. to ask her this. The question had a
When I entered Yen’s establish¬ surprizing result. It was like) drop¬
ment I found him burning red-paper ping a match into a can of gasoline.
prayers at the feet of his ugly tin joss. I was not a little startled.
He gave me no heed. The crowd in
“Smile?” Her drowsiness fell
the fan-tan room were rolling their
away from her like a cloak. She spat
wealth away with dice on top of the
the words out as a snake would dart
kettledrums. I did not stop to play,
out its fangs. “Me, smile?” She
because I had left my last penny with
leaned forward a bit. “What of hap¬
the companionable Joe Dugan. In¬
piness is my portion that I should
stead I proceeded back, through the
smile? Have I not been banished by
shimmering folds of heavy silk por¬
society as a thing unclean ? Am I not
tieres, lured by the unearthly music
an outcast from among my relatives
of a stringed instrument.
and friends? 1 came to this”—she
I found the player. She was a
waved her bracelet-encirdled arm—
beauty—such a beautiful creature as
“because* of their pointing fingers,
I would imagine the angels of heaven
their whisperings behind my back.
to be. She was curled up on a heap
Me, Kittie Robbins, who knows that
of silken cushions, and strumming,
‘if a man dies he shall live again.’
lazily, at the strings of a mandolin.
You ask me to smile when I am ap¬
“Good evening,” she said, looking
proaching insanity—and know it?”
up drowsily, and without a smile.
She covered her face with her
That smile should have been there.
pretty fingers, threw her head for¬
I do not know why, but I felt like
ward in a manner which caused a
screaming to her that she must smile,
mass of brown hair to tumble over
even though it were just enough to
her face to hide, like' a veil, the tears.
bring the dimple to her cheek—the
Her shoulders heaved with deep-
dimple that I knew belonged there,
throated sobs, and, in compassion, I
once, anyway.
placed my hand on her head.
“Good evening,” I replied, seating
“Don’t touch me!” she exclaimed,
myself on a low teakwood stool, lock¬
drawing back. “Listen, O writer of
ing my fingers about one knee, and
tales, I’ll tell you who killed Jack
allowing my eyes to feast on this
Robbins. How the souls of men who
pretty creature—it may be true, as
have been dead for centuries came to
some have said, that she hypnotized
my assistance when my need was
me.
great.
“Fan-tan break you?” she asked
shortly, nodding her head slowly in
the direction from which came the “Tn you have read the newspapers
sound of rolling dice and clinking you know that Jack Robbins, my
coins on top of the drums. husband, was found sprawled on the
“No, Miss,” I told her, “I am al¬ floor of his study, his fingers clutching
ways broke. It is natural. I am a deep in the soft velvet carpet, a knife
writer of tales. To know this is to —his knife—on the floor near by. He
know that I have no coins to roll away was dead. There was nothing to show
on top of Yen Mott’s drums. I was what caused his death—unless it was
lured to the waterfront by the desire the bruised spot on his forehead.
to see, hear or experience something Medical men, experts at their trade,
which would make material for a said that this injury, in itself, could
story—by the way, do you never not have killed him. They pointed
smile?” out that the spot was barely notice-
 WHO KILLED JACK ROBBINS 261

able. Just a discoloration of the skin. the table. I heard something jangle,
They found a small ball of iron—a inside the bag, like clanking metal.
paperweight—on the floor. They (the His collar was wilted and his tie hung
doctors) agreed that had this weight outside his vest. There was a smear
been thrown with enough force it of white plaster on his coat sleeve. He
could have caused the bruise, but peeled off his topcoat, removed his
never his death. He might have died gloves, and stood for a long while
from disease of the heart? Aye, but glaring at me through squinted,
the examination proved my husband cruel eyes—they had never seemed so
to have been in perfect health. cruel before. The whites were
‘ ‘ I alone know how he died. They streaked with red. His breath came
found me in an adjoining room be¬ hot and panting as though he had
hind locked doors. Friends, relatives been running. I do not know why he
and the police listened to my tale— should have been in such disarray, be¬
‘babblings of a disordered brain’ they cause I had seen a taxi deliver him at
called it—of how I had killed Jack the door—him and his woman.
Robbins with an enchanted bolt. They “The woman (I do not know who
smiled, shook their heads, and walked she was; I had never seen her before)
away. Because I have read much was painted of face. Her yellow,
that has been written about' spiritual¬ bobbed hair showed a tendency to re¬
ism, and all that has been written turn to its natural red through the
about the knights of old, and believe fading of dyes. There was a worried
in both, they—the fools!—insist that expression on her face. She seemed
I am insane. extremely nervous and was contin¬
“I married Jack less than a year ually glancing toward the door. Once
ago. He was cashier in—well, let that she went to the window, pulled back
go, it is enough to say that his salary the draperies, and looked into the
was thirty dollars a week. In spite of street below.
this small income we lived in a beau¬ “ ‘Jack, is this your wife?’ she
tiful mansion on the drive amid lux¬ nodded her head in my direction. My
uries which could be commanded only eyes grew wide with astonishment as
by the wealthy. My clothing was of she continued. ‘Robbins, you fool,
the most costly materials. New gowns she’s not what I expected to find, why,
were produced for the asking. Me, a this—this ’
bit of a child who still played with “ ‘Yes,’ answered Jack, somewhat
dolls, how was I to know that the angrily, ‘ I know what you expected to
money was not gained honestly? find. One of your kind. One of my
“But within a few months I discov¬ kind. Instead, you find that I have
ered that others were sharing Jack grown mushy and have fallen for a
Robbins’ wealth and love. There were doll. I have taken a wife who is a
other women. I became beastly jeal¬ pretty baby without backbone or
ous—aye, so jealous that I came to brains. Not much of a helpmate for a
hate the sight of Jack.. Especially man who is engaged in the dangerous
when he came home reeling in drunk¬ business which I follow. Neverthe¬
enness and mouthing curses upon me. less, I want you two to be friends. It
“Then came a night—oh, I shall is high time that my wife became use¬
never, never forget it!—when he ful as well as ornamental.’
brought one of those women—his “Friends? Friends! Me, Kittie
woman—to the very door with him. Robbins, entertain friendly feelings
Nay,, he brought her into his study for this painted-faced she-devil who
and introduced her as a friend. seemed to know my husband’s affairs
“He threw a bulging handbag on better than I did! My better judg-
262 WEIRD TALES

ment, and an entirely peaceful na¬ “All in all, I believe I answered

ture, kept telling me to bespeak this him rather coolly, under the circum¬
woman kindly, gather up my cloak stances. I do not remember that I
and hat, say good-bye, and walk out was—at least not then—frightened.
of a lot of trouble unmolested. But I only know that I was being con¬
what is good judgment to a jealous sumed by the fires of jealousy.
heart? The green-eyed monster of “ ‘Look you, Jack Robbins,’ said
jealousy kept screaming to me, the yellow-haired woman through
‘Scratch her eyes out!’ ‘Tear her yel¬ clenebed teeth, ‘what a terrible mess
low hair from her headl’ ‘Use your you have brought us into through
claws! ’ and, quite truly, I would have marrying this woman. There is no
done so had not my husband—who .use in beating about the bush. She
had the strength of two ordinary will inform the police. All they need
men—caught me by my hair and is a hint as to who you are and the
thrown me, unceremoniously, upon a whole gang will dance out of this
couch. All of which only served to world on the end of a rope. There
enrage me further. is only one way out—kill her! Dead
“ ‘Listen, Kittie, don’t be a fool I’ men tell no tales. It is even so with
I heard him shouting near my ear; dead ladies. I’ll take the gold.
‘you will have to aet the part of my Come to me when the job is done. ’
wife. I need your help. This woman “With this, the woman snatched
is nothing to me other than a business at the bag. I saw the lids of Jack’s
associate. You have never asked me eyes come more elosely together. I
where I found the money with which saw his white, strong teeth—like a
to dress and feed you. Do you think wolf’s—unbared. I saw the woman
that money grows on trees? I am a withdraw her hand and baek, stum-
thief! A burglar! A safe-opener su¬ blingly, toward the door.
preme! I am known—the thief, not “ ‘No yeu don’t, old-timer,’ rasped
Jack Robbins—from Scotland Yard Jack, ‘I’ll bring the gold when I
to the American Headquarters as a come. ’
killer! In that bag is the loot of my
last haul. We—this woman who is “'T'he woman was gone. Jaek
my helper and myself—were hard Robbins was standing before
pressed by the police. It was neces¬ me, licking his tongue over dry lips,
sary that we slip in here for cover and glaring into my very soul with
until the hounds of the law lose the those dreadful eyes.
seent. Now, it is up to you as my “ ‘Kittie, I have no choiee. You
wife to use your brains, realize that know me. I had hoped to bring you
I am your husband, that I am in dan¬ to my level, that you would stand by
ger—help me!’ me in my hour of trouble. That is
“ ‘Help you, Jack?’ I heard myself all over. Even though you were to
saying, as I glared back into his terri¬ promise to forego your intentions of
ble eyes. ‘I’d do anything in the informing the police, I eould not
world for you, providing it be honest, trust you. I must kill you!’
bnt I am no thief—nor can I be a *‘I saw his hand go to his Kip
thief’s wife. I can not even associate pocket. I saw the glint of light on
with, thieves. I shall inform the po¬ the naked knife-blade as he moved
lice immediately. You, in yonr turn, toward me, rolling up his sleeves—
forget who I am. You will have to aye, rolling np his sleeves like a
act the part of my husband. Do you butcher!
think that good women grow on com¬ “I glanced about frantically for
panion trees to your money trees? ’ something with which to protect my-
 WHO KILLED JACK ROBBINS

self. There was nothing—unless it “Suddenly I felt my mind grow

was the small ball of iron which we weary. I seemed to have a great de¬
used as a paperweight. This bit of sire to sleep. This thing—this terri¬
iron might have weighed three ble power of the candle’s flickering
ounces. A sorry thing to use as a flame—frightened me worse than
weapon of protection against a big Jack Robbins’ threats! My very
brute of a man like Jack Robbins. soul—that something within all of us
But I snatched it up with a scream which we can not place our fingers
in my throat and leaped beneath his on and say ‘that is it’ but which we
upraised arm. He was just about to know exists—was leaving my body.
strike—aye, I heard the ‘swush!’ of I seemed to be floating in space,
the knife arm as I passed under the away from the couch, until I found
stroke. myself looking directly down upon
“Before he could right himself and the candle-flame as though I were
turn to come after me a second time, hovering above it. Eventually I
I had leaped through the doorway found myself on the other side of the
to the adjoining room and slammed table, near the floor, and looking
the door. I hurriedly turned the key back—through the flickering, shim¬
in tlfe lock and flung myself on a mering, nervous flare of flame—I
couch, so terribly frightened that I saw---
could not even scream again. My “Don’t laugh at me! I tell you I
flesh trembled—quivered like jelly. saw my own body, itself, crouched
Sweat streamed down from the ends among the cushions, there on the
of my eyebrows to mingle with the couch I had just quitted. Objects in
tears on my cheeks. My heart the room began to grow dim. Every¬
thumped madly. It would only be a thing seemed to grow confused. I
few moments before Jack Robbins only knew that I floated, quietly,
would have the door open. I could rapidly away into the great beyond
hear him cursing and threatening. where no human has ever visited
“ ‘You may as well open the door and returned to tell the tale—except
and have it over with,’ came his me, Kittie Robbins, and for that they
voice in a cold, hard tone, ‘there is say I am insane.
no escape for you. It is either your “While my body of clay, on the
life or mine. There are no windows couch, trembled in terror, my soul—
in that room. The only means of the thing which looked back—
exit is by this door, and you will find wanted to laugh, wanted to shout:
me here when you come out. You ‘Oh ho, of what would it avail you,
can have your choice—starvation or Jack Robbins, to kill that body?
the knife.’ Break the door in and kill it! You
“I did not reply. I had been star¬ can never kill me!’ I felt elated. It
ing at a candle which flickered in its was a great joke on Jack Robbins.
gilded holder on a table several feet “Suddenly I discovered that I was
away from the couch upon which I not in the room. I looked about to
had fallen. I do not know why I find myself in a field surrounded by
should have become so interested in a great forest of trees. The sun was
that candle. It seemed to hypnotize shining, birds were singing, and a
me as a snake’s eyes fascinate a bird. soft breeze tossed the weeds at my
I was so interested in the candle that feet.
I hardly heard Jack Robbins’ terri¬
ble threats—I remember, though, “T was rather at a loss to place my-
that I still held the small ball of iron self. Where was I? Who was
in the hot palm of my hand. this approaching from the opposite
264 WEIRD TALES

side of the field? Could it be Jack good beast simply wagged his ears
Robbins? Surely it was he. His and carried his master, in answer to
knife was in his right hand. His my frantic call for help, at an am¬
sleeves were rolled up—like a bling walk. This man was tall,
butcher’s—and there was an evil leer gaunt, deep-set of eyes, and none too
on his face. cleanly of person.
“ ‘Oh, I’m coming! You can’t ‘ ‘ The other man—the one who
escape me, you little devil-cat!’ he rode the mule—was not near so tall
shouted as he approached. ‘You as his companion. He was heavily
thought you did something wonder¬ bearded. His beard would have been
ful when you slipped under my arm none the worse off for a good comb¬
that time. I was not expecting that. ing. He looked weary and bedrag¬
You will never be able to repeat it— gled. There was a bandage about
I’ve driven this knife into more slip¬ his head.
pery eels than you. I’ve got you ‘ ‘ Surely, I thought, this must be a
right where I want you this time! knight-errant of the olden days, and
You forgot that I, too, might follow the bearded gentleman is his squire.
you into the great beyond. This My heart was filled with hope. Per¬
thing we call life does not start at haps this knight would save me from
birth and end with death. Why the terrible butcher.
should it? Why should everything
“He was near me now. He was
in creation move in circles—without
speaking. With a great sweep of
end—and humanity be the one excep¬
his arm and a bowing of his body,
tion? When you pass out, in what
which, while none too graceful, was
you term death, you simply find your¬
well meant: ‘Ah, Madam, you can
self reborn into this existence. In the
be none other than the fair Kittie
same manner you will pass out of this
Robbins, heart of my heart, and I
existence to be reborn into the earth’s
family—:—’ would have you to know that he who
“ ‘Help! Help!’ I screamed, look¬ addresses you is none other than a fa¬
ing about me wildly. mous knight of the olden days. You
“ ‘Yell your head off, no one can have, no doubt, read of my wonder¬
hear you-’ ful exploits on earth—I am continu¬
“For some reason I did not hear ing my calling here. I mistake not
what he would have continued to that my further adventures would
say, for at that moment my attention make good reading—were it not for
was attracted by something else. the fact that biographers and
Who was this who was coming out of knights-errant go to widely sepa¬
the forest on the other side? Two rated places after death, I make no
men. Certainly they were queer-look¬ doubt that those further adventures
ing characters. One rode a bony would be recounted.
horse. The other rode a mule. It “ ‘Be that as it may, I have come
seemed to me that I had met this pair to rescue you from this perilous sit¬
before, but I could not immediately uation in which you now find your¬
place them. The. man on the horse self, that you might return to the
was partly dressed in armor—but, world to refute the base slander that
look you, his helmet was nothing knights are all fictitious characters,
more nor less than a barber’s brass and to inform humanity that there
basin—such a basin as the Spanish is a life hereafter—how, I ask you,
barber used in the Sixteenth Century sir,’ turning to the man on the mule,
—he dug1 his heels into his bag-of- ‘do you now believe in enchant¬
bones of a mare furiously, but that ment?’
 WHO KILLED JACK ROBBINS 265

“ ‘I’ faith, sir,’ answered the can you not see Jack Robbins ap¬
squire, ‘how you can be such an ad- proaching with his knife?’
dlepate as to mistake this wench for ‘ ‘ I found the enchanted bolt in my
your lady Kittie Robbins is more hand. I do not remember taking it
than I can understand. Well, be from the knight’s hand. It was
it as you say—a doubter of masters there—a small bit of iron in the hot
is equal to a quitter. There is no palm of my hand. I looked toward
fool like an old fool. Squires are Jack Robbins. I was rather sur¬
made to obey and not to command prized* and a bit puzzled that my
their masters. If you say this is your husband had not arrived closer dur¬
lady Kittie Robbins whom the en¬ ing the lengthy conversation between
chanters have banned to sixty years the knight and his squire. But en¬
of life in Yen Mott Lee’s establish¬ chanters have a way of making
ment in the world from which we things seem what they are not. It
progressed during the Sixteenth Cen¬ seemed to me like a long time since
tury—be it so. Others can say the I first found myself in the field; nev¬
moon is green but I can think as I ertheless the man with the knife was
choose. Bamum said there was one still approaching, and a tremor of
born every minute and-’ fear engulfed me.
“ ‘Go on, friend, string your “ ‘Whine, whine! You-!’
proverbs, though they have as little “It was Jack Robbins who spoke.
filling as a bladder of wind. What “ ‘Did you think you could escape
do you know of Bamum? Bamum me?’ he continued.
was of the days immediately prior “I drew back my arm, closed my
to automobiles and airships, your eyes, and threw the ball of iron as
day was that of mule and horseback. hard as I could. The approaching
Would you suggest that I, your mas¬ fiend stopped dead in his tracks,
ter, am a fool?’ threw his knife away from him,
“ ‘I’ troth, sir, I know not, I only raised to his tiptoes, whirled com¬
know that you promised to show me pletely about in a circle, then went
heaven after death, and this world crashing on his face to claw among
is much after the fashion of the one the weeds and—be still.
we left—everything, even to fools,
seems to be reproduced here-’ ‘ ‘ T looked about to see what had
“ ‘Ingrate! Hand me that en¬ -*■ become of the knight and his
chanted bolt from your saddle-pack. squire. I could not see them. In¬
And you, dear lady, take the bolt, stead I saw the flickering candle-
heave it with all your strength flame. I heard the splintering crash
against the forehead of the ap¬ of the door as it was broken by
proaching giant. Fie on thee—thou heavy shoulders. I had probably
imitation of a squire who has not swooned and dreamed all this. I
guts enough to fare forth to do bat¬ had no time to dwell on the strange¬
tle with you approaching giant. This ness of it all, for the breaking door
is little enough which we can do to told me that Jack Robbins was com¬
protect my lady during her enchant¬ ing and there was no knight to assist
ment. ’ me—even the ball of iron was gone
“ ‘Good sir, I’ faith, I see no from my hand, as poor a weapon as
giant-’ it was.
“ ‘Why, my good sir, ’ I was forced “I screamed in terror. I leaped
to interrupt. I was somewhat dis¬ to my feet just as the door fell in,
pleased that this squire did not rec¬ and there—and there stood—not
ognize me. ‘Why, my good squire, Jack Robbins, as I had expected, but
266 WEIRD TALES

a big, broad-shouldered man in the “ ‘Poor soul, she’s insane; some¬

blue uniform of a policeman. thing terrible has happened here.
“ ‘Come, lady,’ he said, in a Here is the enchanted bolt of which
kindly, although deep-toned voice, ‘ I she speaks. It weighs less than three
feared you had come to harm. My ounces. As for the bag of gold, if it
pounding on the door brought no ever existed—where is it now? You
answer from you, and I had to make gentlemen, who knew Jack Robbins,
entrance by force. Who killed Jack respectable cashier in the Maugins-
Robbins—and how? What has hap¬ ville Bank, will hardly consider the
pened here ?’ incident of the yellow-haired woman
“I did not answer him. X could and Xhe bag of gold. Take her away,
not find voice to reply. Leaning on we will look after her later.’
his arm I was led out of the room ‘ ‘ They did look after me. I fooled
them. I escaped and came to this
and through the study. As I passed
place! And now, you writer of tales,
through I saw my husband on the
you have your story. Go make fun
floor. A doctor was bending over
of me—and if you do, and if you
him. As I passed close I heard the
come back here to the waterfront in
man of medicines saying, ‘Dead,
search of yarns, I’ll scratch your
dead as a door-knob, but for the life
eyes out!”
of me I can’t determine what killed
him.’
As I have said, I only tell what
“ ‘I know, I know!’ I had found
Kittie told. She may have been
my voice: ‘I killed him with an en¬
“stringing” me. She may be crazy,
chanted bolt from beyond the grave. ’
I’m going back some of these times
Then I told my story.
to see if she’s still there. I may ask
“The doctor looked at me for a her what became of the bag of gold.
moment, his mouth dropped open, he I imagine Kittie knows a lot of in¬
scratched his head, then smiled sadly. teresting yarns.

BEETHOVEN By ROBERT S. CARR

A few weird chords of music, Where crumbling tombstones stand;
Riding the midnight winds, Of tortured stars that faint and fall
Snatched my mind away from me
A billion miles through space;
And out where the dawn begins.
Of moaning ghosts in haunted caves,
My mind came back with fantasies,
And snakes with maidens’ face.
Like cobwebs’ gray festoons,
Looped across my consciousness When the weird chords ceased, my
To sing of gibbous moons; mind came back,
Of new graves seen by lightning, Like a vampire flapping home
And skulls in the seashore’s sand; In the dim dawn light from a ghastly
Of black ghouls’ lairs in gloomy night,
woods No more, I hope, to roam.
 WEIRD STORY REPRINT

The Queen of Spades*

By ALEXANDER PUSHKIN
T HERE was a card party at
the rooms of Narumoff of the
“How so?” inquired the guests.
“I can not understand,” continued
Horse Guards. The long win¬ Tomsky, “how it is that my grand¬
ter night passed away imperceptibly, mother does not punt.”
and it was 5 o’elock in the morning “What is there remarkable about
before the company sat down to sup¬ an old lady of eighty not punting?”
per. Those who had won ate with a asked Narumoff.
good appetite, the others sat staring “Then you do not know why?”
absently at their empty plates. When “No, I haven’t the faintest idea.”
the champagne appeared, however, “Oh, then listen! About sixty
the conversation became animated. years ago my grandmother went to
“And how did you fare, Surin?” Paris, where she created quite a sen¬
asked the host. sation. People used to run after her
to catch a glimpse of the ‘Muscovite
“Oh, I lost, as usual. I must con¬
Venus.’ Richelieu made love to her,
fess that I am unlucky: I play miran-
and my grandmother maintains that
dole, I always keep cool, I never allow
he almost blew out his brains in con¬
anything to put me out, and yet I
sequence of her cruelty. At that time
always lose ?r’
ladies used to play at faro. On one
“And you did not once allow your¬
occasion at the court, she lost a large
self to be tempted to back the red?
sum to the Duke of Orleans. On re¬
Your firmness astonishes me.” turning home, my grandmother re¬
“But what do you think of Her¬ moved the patches from her face, took
mann?” said one of the guests, point¬ off her hoops, informed my grand¬
ing to a young engineer. “He has father of her loss at the gaming table,
never had a card in his hand in his and ordered him to pay the money.
life, he has never in his life laid a My deceased grandfather, as far as I
wager, and yet he sits here till 5 remember, was a sort of house-stew¬
in the morning watching our play. ” ard to my grandmother. He dreaded
“Play interests me very much,” her like fire; but, on hearing of sueh
said Hermann, “but I am not in the a heavy loss, he almost went out of
position to sacrifice the necessary in his mind; he calculated the various
the hope of winning the superflu¬ sums she had lost, and pointed out to
ous.” her that in six months she had spent
“Hermann is a German: he is eco¬ half a million francs, that neither
nomical—that is all! ” observed Tom- their Moscow nor Saratoff estates
sky. “But if there is one person that were in Paris, and finally refused
I can not understand, it is my grand¬ point-blank to pay the debt. My
mother, the Countess Anna, Feo¬ grandmother gave him a box on the
dor ovna. ” ear and slept by herself as a sign of
• Translated from the Russian. her displeasure. The next day she
 WEIRD TALES

sent for her husband, hoping that this for which each of us would give a
domestic punishment had produced good deal.”
an effect upon him, but she found The young officers listened with in¬
him inflexible. For the first time in creased attention. Tomsky lit his
her life, she entered into reasonings pipe, puffed away for a moment and
and explanations with him, thinking then continued:
to be able to convince him by point¬ ‘ ‘ That same evening my grand¬
ing out to him that there are debts mother went to Versailles to the jeu
and debts, and that there is a great de la reine. The Duke of Orleans
difference^ between a prince and a kept the bank; my grandmother ex¬
eoachmaker. But it was all in vain: cused herself in an off-hand manner
my grandfather remained obdurate. for not having yet paid her debt, by
“But the matter did not rest there. inventing some little story, and then
My grandmother did not know what began to play against him. She chose
to do. She had shortly before be¬ three cards and played them one
come acquainted with a very remark¬ after the other: all three won sonika
able man. You have heard of Count —that is, in the quickest possible time
St. Germain, about whom so many —and my grandmother recovered
marvelous stories are told. You know every farthing that she had lost. ’ ’
that he represented himself as the
Wandering Jew, as the discoverer of “Mere chance!” said one of the
the elixir of life, of the philosopher’s guests.
stone, and so forth. Spme laughed at “A tale!” observed Hermann.
him as a charlatan; but St. Germain “Perhaps they were marked'
was a very fascinating person, much cards!” said a third.
sought after in the best circles. My “I do not think so,” replied Tom¬
grandmother knew that he had large sky gravely.
sums of money at his disposal, and “What!” said Narumoff; “you
she wrote a letter asking him to come have a grandmother who knows how
to her without delay. The queer old to hit upon three lucky cards in suc¬
man immediately waited upon her cession, and you have not succeeded
and found her overwhelmed with in getting the secret from her?”
grief. She described to him in the “That’s the deuce of it,” replied
blackest colors the barbarity of her Tomsky: “she had four sons, one of
husband, and ended by declaring that whom was my father; all four were
her whole hope depended upon his determined gamblers, and yet not to
friendship. one of them did she ever reveal her
secret. But this is what I heard
“St. Germain reflected. from my uncle, Count Ivan Ilyich,
V ‘I could advance you the sum and he assured me, on his honor,
you want,’ said he, ‘but I know that that it was true. The late Chap-,
you would not rest easy until you had litzky—the same who died in poverty
paid me back, and I should not like to after having squandered millions—
bring fresh troubles upon you. But once lost, in his youth, about three
there is another way of getting out of hundred thousand rubles. He was
your difficulty: you can win back in despair. My grandmother, who
your* money. ’ was always very severe upon the ex¬
“ ‘But, my dear count,’ replied travagance of young men, took pity,
my grandmother, ‘I tell you that I however, upon Chaplitzky. She gave
haven’t any money left.’ him three cards, telling him to play
“ ‘Money is not necessary,’ replied them one after the other, at the same
St. Germain: ‘listen to me.’ time exacting from him a solemn
“Then he revealed to her a secret, promise that he would never play at
 THE QUEEN OF SPADES

cards again as long as he lived. Chap- her grandmother, the Princess Daria
litzky then went to his victorious op¬ Petrovna? By the way, she must be
ponent, and they began a fresh game. very old, the Princess Daria Pe¬
On the first card he staked fifty thou¬ trovna. ’ ’
sand rubles and won sonika; he “How do you mean, old?” cried
doubled the stake and won again, till Tomsky thoughtlessly; “she ’died
at last, by pursuing the same tactics, seven years ago.”
he won back more than he had lost.
The young lady raised her head
“But it is time to go to bed: it is
and made a sign to the young officer.
a quarter to 6 already.”
He then remembered that the old
And indeed it was already begin¬
countess was never to be informed of
ning to dawn: the young men
the death of any of her contem¬
emptied their glasses and then took
poraries, and he bit his lips. But she
leave of each other.
heard the news with indifference.,

2 ‘ ‘ Dead! ’ ’ said she; ‘ * and I did not

know it. We were appointed maids
rT~'iiE old countess was seated of honor at the same time, and
in her dressing room before when we were presented to the Em¬
her looking glass.. Three waiting press. ...”
maids stood around her. One held a And the countess for the hun¬
small pot of rouge, another a box of dredth time related to her grandson
hair-pins, and the third a tall cap one of her anecdotes.
with bright red ribbons. The countess “Come, Paul,” said she, when she
had no longer the slightest preten¬ had finished her story, “help me to
sions to beauty, but she still pre¬ get up.. Lizanka, where is my snuff¬
served the habits of her youth, box?”
dressed in strict accordance with the And the countess with her three
fashion of seventy years before, and maids went behind a screen to finish
made as long and as careful a toilette her toilette. Tomsky was left alone
as she would have done sixty years with the young lady.
previously. Near the window, at an “Who is the gentleman you wish
embroidery frame, sat a young lady, to introduce to the countess?” asked
her ward. Lizaveta Ivanovna in a whisper.
“Good morning, grandmamma,” ‘ ‘ Narumoff. Do you know him ? ’ ’
said a young officer, entering the “No. Is he a soldier or a civilian?’’
room. “Bonjour, Mademoiselle Lisa. “A soldier.”
Grandmamma, I want to ask you “Is he in the Engineers?”
something.” “No, in the Cavalry. What made
“What is it, Paul?” you think he was in the Engineers?”
“I want you to let me introduce The young lady smiled, but made
one of my friends to you, and to no reply.
allow me to bring him to the ball on “Paul,” cried the countess from
Friday.” behind the screen, “send me some
“Bring him directly to the ball and new novel, only pray don’t let it be
introduce him to me there. Were you one of the present-day style.”
at B-’s yesterday?” “What do you mean, grand¬
“Yes; everything went off very mother?”
pleasantly, and dancing was kept up “That is, a novel in which the hero
until 5 o’clock. How charming strangles neither his father nor his
Yeletzkaya was!” mother, and in which there are no
“But, my dear, what is there drowned bodies. I have a great hor¬
charming about her? Isn’t she like ror of drowned persons.”
270 WEIRD TALES

“There are no such novels nowa¬ “The carriage is ready,” said Liza¬
days. Would you like a Russian veta, looking out into the street.
one?” “How is it you are not dressed?”
“Are there any Russian novels? asked the countess. “I must always
Pray send me one!” wait for you. It is intolerable.”
“Good-bye, grandmother: I am in Liza hastened to her room. She
a hurry. . . . Good-bye, Lizaveta Iva¬ had not been there two minutes, be¬
novna.” fore the countess began to ring with
And Tomsky left the boudoir. all her might. The three waiting
Lizaveta Ivanovna was left alone: maids came running in at one door
she laid aside her work and began to and the valet at another.
look out the window. A few min¬ “How is it that you can not hear
utes afterward, at a comer house on me when I ring fur you?” said the
the other side of the street, a young countess. “Tell Lizaveta Ivanovna
officer appeared. A deep blush I am waiting for her. ’ ’
covered her cheeks; she took up her Lizaveta returned with her hat and
work again and bent her head down cloak on.
over the frame. At the same moment “At last you are here!” said the
the countess returned. eountess. “But why sueh an elab¬
“Order the carriage, Lizaveta,” orate toilette? Whom do you intend
said she; “we will go for a drive.” to captivate? What sort of weather
Lizaveta arose from the frame and is it? It seems rather windy.”
began to arrange her work. “No, your Ladyship, it is very
“What is the matter with you, my calm,” replied the valet.
child, are you deaf?” cried the “You never think of what you are
countess. “Order the carriage to be talking about. Open the window.
made ready at once.” So it is: windy and bitterly cold.
“I will do so this moment,” re¬ Unharness the horses. Lizaveta, we
plied the young lady, hastening into won’t go out—there was no need for
the anteroom. you to deck yourself like that. ’ ’
A servant entered and gave the “What a life is mine!” thought
eountess some books from Prince Lizaveta Ivanovna.
Paul Alexandrovich. And, in truth, Lizaveta Ivanovna
“Tell him that I am much obliged was a very unfortunate ereature.
to him,” said the eountess. “Liza¬ The old countess had by no means
veta ! Where are you running to ? ” a bad heart, but she was ca¬
“I am going to dress.” pricious, like a woman who had
“There is plenty of time, my dear, been spoilt by the world, as well as
sit down here and read to me.” being avaricious and egotistical, like
Her companion took the book and all old people who have seen their
read a few lines. best days, and whose thoughts are
“Louder,” said the countess. with the past and not the present.
“What is the matter with you, my She participated in all the vanities of
ehild? Have you lost your voiee? the great world, went to balls, where
Wait—give me that footstool—a little she sat in a comer, painted and
nearer—that will do.” dressed in old-fashioned style, like a
Lizaveta read two more pages. The deformed but indispensable ornament
eountess yawned. of the ballroom; all the guests on
“Put the book down,” said she; entering approached her and made a
“what a lot of nonsense! Send it profound bow, as if in accordance
baek to Prince Paul with my thanks. with a set ceremony, but after that
But where is the carriage?” nobody took further notice of her.
 THE QUEEN OF SPADES 271

Her numerous domestics, growing fat veta Ivanovna was seated near the
and old in her antechamber and serv¬ window at her embroidery frame,
ants’ hall, did just as they liked, and when, happening to look out into the
vied with each other in robbing the street, she caught sight of a young
aged countess in the most barefaced engineer officer, standing motionless
manner. Lizaveta Ivanovna was the with his eyes fixed upon her window.
martyr of the household. She made She lowered her head and went on
tea, and was reproached with using again with her work. About five
too much sugar; she read novels minutes afterward she looked out
aloud to the countess, and the faults again—the young officer was still
of the author were visited upon her standing in the same place. Not be¬
head; she accompanied the countess ing in the habit of coquetting with
in her walks, and was held answer- passing officers, she did not continue
able for the weather or the state of to gaze out into the street, but went
the pavement. A salary was at¬ on sewing for a couple of hours, with¬
tached to the post, but she very rare¬ out raising her head. Dinner was
ly received it, although she was ex¬ announced. She rose up and began
pected. to dress like everybody else, to put her embroidery away, but
that is to say, like very few indeed. glancing easually out of the window,
In society she played the most piti¬ she perceived the officer again. This
able role. Everybody knew her, and seemed to her very strange. After
nobody paid her any attention. At dinner she went to the window with
balls she danced only when a partner a certain feeling of uneasiness, but
was wanted, the ladies would only the officer was no longer there—and
take hold of her arm when it was she thought no more about him.
necessary to lead her out of the room A couple of days afterward, just
to attend to their dresses. She was as she was stepping into the carriage
very self-eonscious, and felt her posi¬ with the countess, she saw him again.
tion keenly, and she looked about her He was standing close behind the
with impatience for a deliverer to door, with his face half-concealed by
come to her rescue; but the young his fur collar, but his dark eyes
men, calculating in their giddiness, sparkled beneath his cap. Lizaveta
honored her with but very little at¬ felt alarmed, and she trembled as she
tention, although Lizaveta Ivanovna seated herself in the carriage.
was a hundred times prettier than On returning home, she hastened
the bare-faced and cold-hearted mar¬ to the window—the officer was stand¬
riageable girls around whom they ing in his accustomed place, with his
hovered. Many a time did she quiet¬ eyes fixed upon her. She drew back,
ly slink away from the glittering but a prey to curiosity and agitated by a
wearisome drawing room, to go and feeling that was quite new to her.
cry in her own poor little room, in From that time forward not a day
which stood a screen, a chest of passed without the young officer mak¬
drawers, a looking-glass and a ing his appearance under the window
painted bedstead, and where a tallow at the customary hour, and between
candle burnt feebly in a copper him and her there was established a
candlestick.
sort of mute acquaintance.. Sitting
in her place at work, she used to feel
/^vne morning—this was about two his approach; and raising her head,
days after the evening party de¬ she would look at him longer and
scribed at the beginning of this story, longer each day. The young man
and a week previous to the scene at seemed to be very grateful to her:
which we have just assisted—Liza¬ a sudden flush covered his pale cheeks
272 WEIRD TALES

each time their glances met. After Musing in this manner, he walked
about a week she commenced to smile on until he found himself in one of
at him. the principal streets of St. Peters¬
When Tomsky asked permission of burg, in front of a house of anti¬
his grandmother the countess to pre¬ quated architecture. The street was
sent one of his friends to her, the blocked with equipages; carriages one
young girl’s heart beat violently. But after the other drew up in front of
hearing that Narumoff was not an the brilliantly illuminated doorway.
engineer, she regretted that by her At one moment there stepped out on
thoughtless question she had betrayed to the pavement the well-shaped little
her secret to the volatile Tomsky.
foot of some young beauty, at an¬
Hermann was the son of a German other the heavy boot of a cavalry
who had become a naturalized Rus¬ officer, and then the silk stockings and
sian, and from whom he had inherited shoes of a member of the diplomatic
a small capital. Being firmly con¬ world. Furs and cloaks passed in
vinced of the necessity of preserving rapid succession before the gigantic
his independence, Hermann did not porter at the entrance.
touch his private income, but lived
Hermann stopped. “Whose house
on his pay, without allowing himself
is this?” he asked of the watchman
the slightest luxury. And though he
at the comer.
was a gamester at heart, he never
“The Countess Anna Feodorov-
touched a card, for he considered his
na’s” replied the watchman.
position did not allow him, as he
Hermann started. The strange
said, "to risk the necessary in the
hope of winning the superfluous,” story of the three cards again pre¬
sented itself to his imagination. He
yet he would sit for nights together
began walking up and down before
at the card table and follow the game
the house, thinking of its owner and
with feverish anxiety.
her strange secret. Returning late to
The story of the three cards had
his modest lodging, he could not go to
produced a powerful impression upon
sleep for a long time, and when at
his imagination, and all night long he
last he did doze off, he could dream
could think of nothing else. “If,” he
of nothing but cards, green tables,
thought to himself the following eve¬
piles of bank-notes and heaps of
ning, as he walked along the streets
ducats. He played one card after the
of St. Petersburg, “if the old count¬
other, winning uninterruptedly, and
ess would but reveal her secret to me!
If she would only tell me the names then he gathered up the gold and
of the three winning cards! Why filled his pockets with the notes.
should I not try my fortune? I must When he woke up late the next morn¬
get introduced to her and win her ing, he sighed over the loss of his
favor—become her lover. But all imaginary wealth, and then sallying
that will take time, and she is eighty- out into the town, he found himself
seven years old: she might be dead in once more in front of the countess’
a week, in a couple of days even. But residence. He looked up at the win¬
the story itself: can it really be true ? dows. At one of these he saw a head
No! Economy, temperance and with luxuriant black hair, which was
industry: those are my three winning bent down probably over some book
cards; by means of them I shall be or an embroidery frame. The head
able to double my capital—increase was raised.. Hermann saw a fresh
it sevenfold, and procure for myself complexion and a pair of dark eyes.
ease and independence.” That moment decided his fate.
 THE QUEEN OF SPADES 273

3 knew not what to do. Should she

cease to sit at the window and, by
izaveta ivanovna had scarcely- assuming an appearance of indiffer¬
taken off her hat and cloak be¬ ence toward him, put a check upon
fore the countess sent for her and the young officer’s desire for further
again told her to get the carriage acquaintance with her? Should she
ready. The vehicle drew up before send his letter back to him, or should
the door, and they prepared to take she answer him in a cold and decided
their seats. Just at the moment when manner? At length she resolved to
two footmen were assisting the old reply to him.
lady to enter the carriage, Lizaveta
She sat down at her little writing
saw her engineer standing close be¬ table, took pen and paper, and be¬
side the wheel; he grasped her hand;
gan to think.. Several times she be¬
alarm caused her to lose her presence
gan the letter and then tore it up,
of mind, and the young man disap¬
for the way she had expressed her¬
peared—but not before he had left a self seemed either too inviting or too
letter between her fingers. She con¬
coldly decisive. At last she succeeded
cealed it in her glove, and during the
in writing a few lines with which she
whole of the drive she neither saw
felt satisfied.
nor heard anything.
"I am convinced,” she wrote,
It was the custom of the countess
“that your intentions are honorable,
to be constantly asking such questions
and that you do not wish to offend me
as: ".Who was that person that met
by any imprudent behavior, but our
us just now? What is the name of
acquaintance must not begin in such
this bridge ? What is written on that
a manner. I return your letter,
signboard?” On this occasion, how¬
ever, Lizaveta returned such vague and I hope that I shall never have
and absurd answers that the countess any cause to complain of this unde¬
became angry with her. served slight.”
"What is the matter with you, my The next day, as soon as Hermann
dear?” she exclaimed. "Have you made his appearance, Lizaveta rose
taken leave of your senses, or what from her embroidery, went into the
is it? Do you not hear me or under¬ drawing room, opened the ventilator
stand what I say? Heaven be thanked, and threw the letter into the street,
I am still in my right mind and speak trusting that the young officer would
plainly enough!” have the perception to pick it up.
Lizaveta Ivanovna did not hear Hermann hastened forward, picked
her. On returning home she ran to it up and then repaired to a confec¬
her room and drew the letter out of tioner’s shop. Breaking the seal of
her glove. It contained a declaration the envelope, he found inside it his
of love; it was tender, respectful, and own letter and Lizaveta’s reply. He
copied word for word from a German had expected this, and he returned
novel. But Lizaveta did not know home, his mind deeply occupied.
anything of the German language, Three days afterward, a bright-
and she was quite delighted. eyed young girl from a milliner’s
For all that, the letter caused her establishment brought Lizaveta a let¬
to feel exceedingly uneasy. For the ter. Lizaveta opened it with great
first time in her life she was entering uneasiness, fearing that it was a de¬
into secret and confidential relations mand for money, when suddenly she
with a young man. His boldness recognized Hermann’s handwriting
alarmed her. She reproached herself “You have made a mistake,” she
for her imprudent behavior, and said: “this letter is not for me.” . ?
 274 WEIRD TALES

“Oh, yes, it is for you,” replied ing left for you to do but to go away
the girl, smiling very knowingly. again. But it is most probable that
“Have the goodness to read it.” you will meet nobody. The maid¬
Lizaveta glanced at the letter. Her¬ servants will all be together in one
mann requested an interview. room. On leaving the anteroom, turn
‘ ‘ It can not be, ’ ’ she cried, alarmed to the left, and walk straight on until
at the audacious request, and the you reach the countess ’ bedroom. In
manner in which it was made. ‘ ‘ This the bedroom, behind a screen, you
letter is certainly not for me. ’ ’ will find two doors: the one on the
And she tore it into fragments. right leads to a cabinet, which the
countess never enters; the one on the
‘ ‘ If the letter was not for you, why
left leads to a corridor, at the end of
have you torn it up?” said the girl.
which is a little winding staircase;
“I should have given it back to the
this leads to my room.”
person who sent it. ’ ’
“Be good enough, my dear,” said
TTermann trembled like a tiger, as
Lizaveta, disconcerted by this re¬
he waited for the appointed time
mark, “not to bring me any more let¬
to arrive. At 10 o’clock in the eve¬
ters, and tell the person who sent you
ning he was already in front of the
that he ought to be ashamed.”
countess’ house. The weather was
But Hermann was not the man to
terrible; the wind blew with great
be thus put off. Every day Lizaveta
violence; the sleety snow fell in large
received from him a letter, sent now
flakes; the lamps emitted a feeble
in this way, now in that. They were
light, the streets were deserted; from
no longer translated from the Ger¬
time to time a sledge, drawn by a
man. Hermann wrote them under
sorry-looking hack, passed by, on the
the inspiration of passion, and spoke
lookout for a belated passenger. Her¬
in his own language, and they bore
mann was enveloped in a thick over¬
full testimony to the inflexibility of
coat, and felt neither wind nor snow.
-his desire and the disordered con¬
dition of his uncontrollable imagina¬ At last the countess’ carriage drew
tion. Lizaveta no longer thought of up. Hermann saw two footmen carry¬
sending them back to him: she be¬ out in their arms the bent form of
came intoxicated with them and be¬ the old lady, wrapped in sable fur,
gan to reply to them, and little by and immediately behind her, clad in
little her answers became longer and a warm mantle, and with her head
more affectionate. ornamented with a wreath of fresh
At last she threw out of the window flowers, followed Lizaveta. The door
to him the following letter: “This was closed. The carriage rolled away
evening there is going to be a ball at heavily through the yielding snow.
the embassy. The countess will be The porter shut the street door; the
there.. We shall remain until 2 windows became dark.
o’clock. You have now an opportu¬ Hermann began walking up and
nity of seeing me alone. As soon as down near the deserted house; at
the countess is gone, the servants will length he stopped under a lamp and
very probably go out, and there will glanced at his watch: it was twenty
be nobody left but the Swiss, and he minutes past 11.
usually goes to sleep in his lodge. At half-past 11 precisely, he
Come about half-past 11. Walk ascended the steps of the house, and
straight upstairs. If you meet any¬ made his way into the brightly illum¬
body in the anteroom, ask if the inated vestibule. He hastily ascended
countess is at home. You will be told the staircase, opened the door of the
‘No,’ in which case there will be noth¬ anteroom and saw a footman sitting
 THE QUEEN OF SPADES 275

asleep in an antique chair by the side house. The servants were running
of a lamp. With a light, firm step hither and thither, there was a con¬
Hermann passed by him. The draw¬ fusion of voices, and the rooms were
ing room and dining room were in lit up. Three antiquated chamber¬
darkness, but a feeble reflection pene¬ maids entered the bedroom, and they
trated thither from the lamp in the
were shortly afterward followed by
anteroom.
the countess, who, more dead than
Hermann reached the countess’ alive, sank into a Voltaire armchair.
bedroom. Before a shrine, which was Hermann peeped through a chink.
full of old images, a golden lamp was
Lizaveta Ivanovna passed close by
burning. Faded stuffed chairs and
him, and he heard her hurried steps
divans with soft cushions stood in
as she hastened up the little spiral
melancholy symmetry around the
staircase. For a moment his heart
room, the walls of which were hung
was assailed by something like a
with China silk. On one side of the
room hung two portraits painted in pricking of conscience, but the emo¬
Paris by Madame Lebrun. In the cor¬ tion was only transitory, and his
ners stood porcelain shepherds and heart became petrified as before.
sheperdesses, dining room clocks, The countess began to undress be¬
bandboxes, roulettes, fans and the fore her looking-glass. Her rose-be¬
various playthings for the amusement decked cap was taken off, and then
of ladies that were in vogue at the her powdered wig was removed from
end of “the last century, when Mont¬ off her white and closely-cut hair.
golfier’s balloons and Mesmer’s mag¬ Hairpins fell in showers around her.
netism were the rage. Hermann Her yellow satin dress, brocaded with
stepped behind the screen. At the silver, fell down at her swollen feet.
back of it stood a little iron bed¬
Hermann was a witness of the re¬
stead; on the right was the door
pugnant mysteries of her toilette; at
which led to the cabinet; on the left,
last the countess was in her night-cap
the other which led to the corridor.
and dressing gown, and in this cos¬
He opened the latter, and saw the
tume, more suitable to her age, she
little winding staircase which led to
appeared less hideous and deformed.
the room of the poor companion. But
Like most old people, the countess
he retraced his steps and entered the
suffered from sleeplessness. Having
dark cabinet.
undressed, she seated herself at the
The time passed slowly. All was window in a Voltaire armchair and
still. The clock in the drawing room dismissed her maids. The candles
struck 12; the strokes echoed through were taken away, and once more the
the room one after the Other, and room was left with only one lamp
everything was quiet again. Her¬ burning in it. The countess sat there
mann stood leaning against the cold looking quite yellow, mumbling with
stove. He was calm; his heart beat her flaccid lips and swaying to and
regularly, like that of a man resolved fro. Her dull eyes expressed com¬
upon a dangerous but inevitable plete vacancy of mind, and, looking
undertaking. One o’clock in the at her, one would have thought that
morning struck; then 2; and he the rocking of her body was not a
heard the distant noise of carriage- voluntary action of her own, but was
wheels. An involuntary agitation produced by the action of some con¬
took possession of him. The carriage cealed galvanic mechanism.
drew near and stopped. He heard Suddenly the deathlike face as¬
the sound of the carriage-steps being sumed an inexplicable expression.
let down. All was bustle within the The lips ceased to tremble, the eyes
276 WEIRD TALES

became animated: before the eonntess He paused and tremblingly awaited

stood an unknown man. her reply. The countess remained si¬
"Do not be alarmed, for heaven’s lent ; Hermann fell upon his knees.
sake, do not be alarmed!” said he in “If your heart has ever known the
a low but distinet voice. "I have no feeling of love,” said he, “if you re¬
intention of doing you any harm, I member its rapture, if you have ever
have only come to ask a favor of smiled at the cry of your new-born
you.” ehild, if any human feeling has ever
The old woman looked at him in entered into your breast, I entreat
silenee, as if she had not heard what you by the feelings of a wife, a lover,
he had said. Hermann thought that a mother, by all that is most sacred
she was deaf, and, bending down to¬ in life, not to reject my prayer. Re¬
ward her ear, he repeated what he veal to me your secret. Of what use
had said. The aged countess remained is it to you? Maybe it is connected
silent as before. with some terrible sin, with the loss
of eternal salvation, with some bar¬
“You can insure the happiness of
gain with the devil. Reflect: you are
my life,” continued Hermann, “and
old; you have not long to live; I am
it will cost you nothing. I know
ready to take your sins upon my soul.
that you can name three cards in
Only reveal to me your secret. Re¬
order-”
member that the happiness of a man
Hermann stopped. The countess
is in your hands, that not only I, but
appeared now to understand what he
my children, and grandchildren, will
wanted; she seemed as if seeking for
bless your memory and reverence you
words to reply.
as a saint. ’ ’
“It was a joke,” she replied at
The old countess answered not a
last. “I assure you it was only a
word.
joke. ’ ’
Hermann rose to his feet.
“There is no joking about the mat¬
“You old hag,” he exclaimed,
ter,” replied Hermann angrily.
grinding his teeth, “then I will make
“Remember Chaplitzky, whom you
you answer!”
helped to win.”
With these words he drew a pistol
The countess became visibly un¬
from his poeket.
easy. Her features expressed strong
At the sight of the pistol, the count¬
emotion, but they quickly resumed
ess for the second time exhibited
their former immobility.
strong emotion. She shook her head
“Can you not name me these
and raised her hands as if to protect
three winning cards?” continued
herself from the shot; then she fell
Hermann.
backward and remained motionless.
The countess remained silent; Her¬
“Come, an end to this childish
mann continued: “For whom are you
nonsense!” said Hermann, taking
preserving your secret? For your
hold of her hand. “ I ask you for the
grandsons? They are rich enough
last time: will you tell me the names
without it; they do not know the
of your three cards, or will you not ? ’ ’
worth of money. Your cards would
The countess made no reply. Her¬
be of no use to a spendthrift. He
mann perceived that she was dead!
who can not preserve his paternal in¬
heritance will die in want, even
4
though he had a demon at his service.
I am not a man of that sort; I know T izaveta IVANOVNA was sitting in
the value of money. Your three cards ' her room, still in her ball dress,
will not be thrown away upon me. lost in deep thought. On returning
Come?” home, she had hastily dismissed the
 THE QUEEN OP SPADES 277

chambermaid, who very reluctantly hands and feet lost all sense of feel¬
came forward to assist her, saying ing.
that she would undress herself, and “This Hermann,” continued Tom¬
with a trembling heart had gone up sky, “is a man of romantic per¬
to her own room, expecting to find sonality. He has the profile of a
Hermann there, but yet hoping not Napoleon, and the soul of a Mephis-
to find him. At the first glance she topheles. I believe that he has at least
convinced herself that he was not three crimes upon his conscience. . . .
there, and she thanked her fate for How pale you have become! ’ ’
having prevented him keeping the ap¬
“I have a headache. But what did
pointment. She sat down without
this Hermann—or whatever his name
undressing, and began to recall to
is—tell you?”
mind all the circumstances which in
“Hermann is very much dissatis¬
so short a time had carried her so far.
fied with his friend: he says that in
It was not three weeks sinee the time
his place he would act very different¬
when she first saw the young officer
ly. I even think that Hermann him¬
from the window, and yet she was
self has designs upon you; at least,
already in correspondence with him,
he listens very attentively to all that
and he had succeeded in inducing her
his friend has to say about you. ’ ’
to grant him a nocturnal interview!
“And where has he seen me?”
She knew his name only through his
“In church, perhaps; or on the
having written it at the bottom of
parade—God alone knows where. It
some of his letters; she had never
may have been in your room, while
spoken to him, had never heard his
you were asleep, for there is nothing
voice, and had never heard him
spoken of until that evening. But, that he-”
Three ladies approaching him in¬
strange to say, that very evening at
terrupted the conversation, which
the ball, Tomsky, being piqued with
had become so tantalizingly interest¬
the young Princess Pauline N-,
ing to Lizaveta.
who, contrary to her usual custom,
The lady chosen by Tomsky was the
did not flirt with him, wished to re¬
venge himself by assuming an air of Princess Pauline herself. She suc¬
ceeded in effecting a reconciliation
indifference: he therefore engaged
with him during the numerous turns
Lizaveta Ivanovna and danced an
of the dance, after which he con¬
endless mazurka with her. During
ducted her to her chair. On return¬
the whole of the time he kept teas¬
ing to his place, Tomsky thought no
ing her about her partiality for engi¬
more either of Hermann or Lizaveta.
neer officers; he assured her that he
She longed to renew the interrupted
knew far more than she imagined,
conversation, but the mlzurka came
and some of his jests were so happily
to an end, and shortly afterward the
aimed, that Lizaveta thought several
old countess took her departure.
times that her secret was known to
him. Tomsky’s words were nothing more
than the customary small talk of the
“From whom have you learnt all
dance, but they sank deep into the
this?” she asked, smiling.
soul of the young dreamer. The por¬
“From a friend of a person very trait, sketched by Tomsky, coincided
well known to you, ’ ’ replied Tomsky; with the picture she had formed
“from a very distinguished man.” within her own mind, and thanks to
“And who is this distinguished the latest romances, the ordinary
man?” countenance of her admirer became
“His name is Hermann.” invested with attributes capable of
Lizaveta made no reply; but her alarming her and fascinating her
278 WEIRD TALES

imagination at the same time. She The day began to dawn.. Lizaveta
was now sitting with her bare arms extinguished her candle: a pale light
crossed and with her head, still illumined her room. She wiped her
adorned with flowers, sunk upon her tear-stained eyes and raised them
uncovered bosom. Suddenly the door toward Hermann: he was sitting near
opened and Hermann entered. She the window, with his arms crossed
shuddered. and with a fierce frown upon his
“Where were you?” she asked in forehead. In this attitude he bore a
a terrified whisper. striking resemblance to the portrait
of Napoleon. This resemblance struck
“In the old countess’ bedroom,”
replied Hermann: “I have just left Lizaveta even.
her. The countess is dead.” “How shall I get you out of the
‘ ‘ My God! What do you say ? ’ ’ house ? ’ ’ said she at last. ‘ ‘ I thought
“And I aip afraid,” added Her¬ of conducting you down the secret
mann, “that I am the cause of her staircase, but in that case it would be
death.” necessary to go through the countess’
bedroom, and I am afraid.”
Lizaveta looked at him, and Tom-
sky’s words found an echo in her “Tell me how to find this secret
soul: “This man has at least three staircase—I will go alone.”
crimes upon his conscience!” Her¬ Lizaveta arose, took from her
mann sat down by the window and re¬ drawer a key, handed it to Hermann
lated all that had happened. and gave him the necessary instruc¬
tions. Hermann pressed her cold,
Lizaveta listened to him in terror.
So all those passionate letters, those limp hand, kissed her bowed head,
ardent desires, this bold obstinate and left the room.
He descended the winding stair¬
pursuit—all this was not love! Money
case, and once more entered the
—that was what his soul yearned for!
countess’ bedroom. The dead old
She could not satisfy his desire and
make him happy! The poor girl had lady sat as if petrified; her face ex¬
pressed profound tranquillity. Her¬
been nothing but the blind tool of a
mann stopped before her, and gazed
robber, of the murderer of her aged
long and earnestly at her, as if he
benefactress! She wept bitter tears
wished to convince himself of the ter¬
of agonized repentance. Hermann
rible reality; at last he entered the
gazed at her in silence: his heart, too,
cabinet, felt behind the tapestry for
was a prey to violent emotion, but
the door, and then began to descend
neither the tears of the poor girl, nor
the wonderful charm of her beauty, the dark staircase, filled with strange
emotions. “Down this very stair¬
enhanced by^her grief, could produce
case,” thought he, “perhaps coming
any impression upon his hardened
from the very same room, and at this
soul. He felt no pricking of con¬
very same hour sixty years ago, there
science at the thought of the dead old
may have glided, in an embroidered
woman. One thing only grieved him:
coat, with his hair dressed a, Voiseau
the irreparable loss of the secret from
royal and pressing to his heart his
which he had expected to obtain
great wealth. three-cornered hat, some young gal¬
lant, who has long been moldering in
“You are a monster!” said Liza¬
the grave, but the heart of his aged
veta at last.
mistress has only today ceased to
“I did not wish for her death,” beat.”
replied Hermann. “My pistol was At the bottom of the staircase Her¬
not loaded.” mann found a door, which he opened
Both remained silent. with the key, and then traversed a
 THE QUEEN OF SPADES 279

corridor which conducted him into The service concluded amidst pro¬
the street. found silence. The relatives went
forward first to take farewell of the
5 corpse. Then followed the numerous
T hree days after the fatal night, guests, who had come to render the
last homage to her who for so many
at 9 o’clock in the morning, Her¬
years had been a participator in their
mann repaired to the Convent of
frivolous amusements. After these
-, where the last honors were to
followed the members of the countess^
be paid to the mortal remains of the
household. The last of these was an
old countess. Although feeling no
old woman of the same age as the de¬
remorse, he could not altogether stifle
ceased. Two young women led her
the voice of conscience, which said to
forward by the hand. She had not
him: “You are the murderer of the
strength enough to bow down to the
old woman!” In spite of his enter¬
ground—she merely shed a few tears
taining very little religious belief, he
and kissed the cold hand of her mis¬
was exceedingly superstitious; and
tress.
believing that the dead countess
might exercise an evil influence on Hermann now resolved to approach
his life, he resolved to be present at the coffin., He knelt down upon the
her obsequies in order to implore her eold stones and remained in that
pardon. position for some minutes; at last he
The church was full. It was with arose, as pale as the deceased countess
difficulty that Hermann made his herself; he ascended the steps of the
way through the crowd of people. catafalque and bent over the corpse.
The coffin was placed upon a rich ... At that moment it seemed to him
catafalque beneath a velvet balda¬ that the dead woman darted a mock¬
chin. The deceased countess lay with¬ ing look at him and winked with one
in it, with her hands crossed upon her eye. Hermann started back, took a
breast, with a lace cap upon her head false step and fell to the ground.
and dressed in a white satin robe. Several persons hurried forward and
Around the catafalque stood the raised him up. At the same moment
members of her household: the serv¬ Lizaveta Ivanovna was borne faint¬
ants in black caftans, with armorial ing into the porch of the church.
ribbons upon their shoulders, and This episode disturbed for some min¬
candles in their hands; the relatives utes die solemnity of the gloomy
—children, grandchildren and great¬ ceremony. Among the congregation
grandchildren—in deep mourning. arose a deep murmur, and a tall, thin
Nobody wept; tears would have chamberlain, a near relative of the
been an affectation. The countess deceased, whispered in the ear of an
was so old that her death could have Englishman who was standing near
surprized nobody, and her relatives him, that the young officer was a
had long looked upon her as being natural son of the countess, to which
out of the world. A famous preacher the Englishman replied : “Oh!”
pronounced the funeral sermon. In During the whole of that day,
simple and touching words he de¬ Hermann was strangely excited. Re¬
scribed the peaceful passing away of pairing to an out-of-the-way restau¬
the righteous, who had passed long rant to dine, he drank a great deal
years in calm preparation for a of wine, contrary to his usual custom,
Christian end. “The angel of death in the hope of deadening his inward
found her,” said the orator, “en¬ agitation. But the wine only served
gaged in pious meditation and wait¬ to exeite his imagination still more.
ing for the midnight bridegroom.” On returning home, he threw himself
280 WEIRD TALES

upon his bed without undressing, and orderly was lying asleep upon the
fell into a deep sleep. floor, and he had much difficulty in
When he awoke, it was already waking him. The orderly was drunk
night, and the moon was shining into as usual, and no information could be
the room. He looked at his watch: it obtained from him. The street door
was a quarter to 3. Sleep had left was locked. Hermann returned to his
him; he sat down upon his bed and room, lit his candle, and wrote down
thought of the funeral of the old all the details of his vision.
(jountess.
At that moment somebody in the
6
street looked in at his window, and
immediately passed on again.. Her¬
T wo fixed ideas can no more exist
together in the moral world than
mann paid no attention to this inci¬ two bodies can occupy one and the
dent. A few minutes afterward he same place in the physical -world.
heard the door of his anteroom open. * ‘ Three, seven, ace ’ ’ soon drove out
Hermann thought that it was his of Hermann’s mind the thought df
orderly, drunk as usual, returning the dead countess. “Three, seven,
from some nocturnal expedition, but ace” were perpetually running
presently he heard footsteps that through his head and continually be¬
were unknown to him: somebody was ing repeated by his lips. If he saw a
walking softly over the floor in slip¬ young girl, he would say: ‘ ‘ How slen¬
pers. The door opened, and a woman der she is! quite like the three of
dressed in white entered the room. hearts.” If anybody asked: “What
Hermann mistook her for his old is the time?” he would reply: “Five
nurse, and wondered what could minutes to 7. ’ ’ Every stout man that
bring her there at that hour of the he saw reminded him of the ace.
night. But the white woman glided “Three, seven, ace” haunted him in
rapidly across the room and stood be¬ his sleep, and assumed all possible
fore him—and Hermann recognized shapes. The threes bloomed before
the countess! him in the forms of magnificent flow¬
“I have come to you against my ers, the sevens were represented by
wish,” she said in a firm voice: “but Gothic portals, and the aces became
I have been ordered to grant your transformed into gigantic spiders.
request. Three, seven, ace, will win One thought alone occupied his whole
for you if played in succession, but mind—to make a profitable use of the
only on these conditions: that you do secret which he had purchased so
not play more than one card in dearly. He thought of applying for
twenty-four hours, and that you a furlough so as to travel abroad. He
never play again during the rest of wanted to go to Paris and tempt
your life. I forgive you my death, on fortune in some of the public gam¬
condition that you marry my com¬ bling houses that abounded there.
panion, Lizaveta Ivanovna.” Chance spared him all this trouble.
With these words she turned round There was in Moscow a society of
very quietly, walked with a shuffling rich gamesters, presided over by the
gait toward the door and disap¬ celebrated Chekalinsky, who had
peared. Hermann heard the street passed all his life at the card-table
door open and shut, and again he and had amassed millions, accepting
saw someone look in at him through bills of exchange for his winnings
the window. and paying his losses in ready money.
For a long time Hermann could His long experience obtained for him
not recover himself. He then rose up the confidence of his companions, and
and entered the next room. His his open house, his famous cook, and
 THE QUEEN OF SPADES 281

his agreeable and fascinating man¬ practised for so long a period, and
ners gained for him the respect of wished him a lucky beginning.
the public. He came to St. Peters¬ “Stake!” said Hermann, writing
burg. The young men of the capital some figures with chalk on the back
flocked to his rooms, forgetting balls of his card.
for cards, and preferring the emo¬ “How much?” asked the banker,
tions of faro to the seductions of contracting the muscles of his eyes;
flirting. Narumoff conducted Her¬
“excuse me, I can not see quite
mann to Chekalinsky’s residence- clearly.”
They passed through a suite of “Forty-seven thousand rubles,”
magnificent rooms, filled with atten¬ replied Hermann.
tive domestics. The place was crowd¬ At these words every head in the
ed. Generals and privy councilors
room turned suddenly round, and all
were playing at whist; young men eyes were fixed upon Hermann.
were lolling carelessly upon the vel¬
“He has taken leave of his
vet-covered sofas, eating ices and
senses!” thought Narumoff.
smoking pipes. In the drawing room,
at the head of a long table, around “Allow me to inform you,” said
which were assembled about a score Chekalinsky, with his eternal smile,
of players, sat the master of the * ‘ that you are playing very high; no¬
house keeping the bank. He was a body here has ever staked more than
man of about sixty years of age, of two hundred and seventy-five rubles
very dignified appearance; his head at once.”
was covered with silvery-white hair; “Very well,” replied Hermann;
his full, florid countenance expressed “but do you accept my card or
good-nature, and his eyes twinkled not?”
with a perpetual smile. Narumoff Chekalinsky bowed in token of con¬
introduced Hermann to him. Cheka¬ sent.
linsky shook him by the hand in a “I only wish to observe,” said he,
friendly manner, requested him not “that although I have the greatest
to stand on ceremony, and then went confidence in my friends, I can only
on dealing. play against ready money. For my
The game occupied some time. On own part, I am quite convinced that
the table lay more than thirty cards. your word is sufficient, but for the
Chekalinsky paused after each throw, sake of the order of the game, and to
in order to give the players time to facilitate the reckoning up, I must
arrange their cards and note down ask you to put the money on your
their losses, listened politely to their card.”
requests, and put straight the corners Hermann drew from his pocket a
of cards that some player’s hand had bank-note and handed it to Chekalin¬
chanced to bend. At last the game sky, who, after examining it in a
was finished. Chekalinsky shuffled cursory manner, placed it on Her¬
the cards and prepared to deal again. mann’s card.
“Will you allow me to take a He began to deal. On the right a
card?” said Hermann, stretching out nine turned up, and on the left a
his hand from behind a stout gentle¬ three.
man who was punting. “I have won!” said Hermann,
Chekalinsky smiled and bowed si¬ showing his card.
lently, as a sign of acquiescence. A murmur of astonishment arose
Narumoff laughingly congratulated among the players. Chekalinsky
Hermann on his abjuration of that frowned, but the smile quickly re¬
abstention from cards which he had turned to his face.
282 WEIRD TALES

“Do you wish me to settle with a pile of bank-notes. It was like a

you?” he said to Hermann. duel. Deep silenee reigned around.
“If you please,” replied the latter. Chekalinsky began to deal; his
hands trembled. On the right a
Chekalinsky drew from his pocket
queen turned up, and on the left an
a number of bank-notes and paid at
ace.
onee. Hermann took up his money
“Ace has won!” cried Hermann,
and left the table. Narumoff could
showing his card.
not recover from his astonishment.
“Your queen has lost,” said
Hermann drank a glass of lemonade
Chekalinsky, politely.
and returned home.
Hermann started; instead of an
The next evening he again repaired
ace, there lay before him the queen
to Chekalinsky’s. The host was deal¬
of spades! He could not believe his
ing. Hermann walked up to the
eyes, nor could he understand how he
table; the punters immediately made
had made such a mistake.
room for him. Chekalinsky greeted
At that moment it seemed to him
him with a gracious bow.
that the queen of spades smiled
Hermann waited for the next deal, ironically and winked her eye at him.
took a card and placed upon it his He was struck by her remarkable re¬
forty-seven thousand rubles, to¬ semblance. . . .
gether with his winnings of the “The old countess!” he exclaimed,
previous evening. seized with terror.
Chekalinsky began to deal. A Chekalinsky gathered up his win¬
knave turned up on the right, a seven nings. For some time, Hermann re¬
on the left. mained perfectly motionless. When
Hermann showed his seven. at last he left the table, there was a
There was a general exclamation. general commotion in the room.
Chekalinsky was evidently ill at ease, “Splendidly punted!” said the
but he counted out the ninety-four players. Chekalinsky shuffled the
thousand rubles and handed them cards afresh, and the game went on
over to Hermann, who pocketed them as usual.
in the coolest manner possible and
immediately left the house. H ermann went out of his mind,
The next evening Hermann ap¬ and is now confined in room
peared again at the table. Everyone Number 17 of the Obukhoff Hospital.
was expecting him. The generals He never answers any questions, but
and privy councilors left their whist he constantly mutters with unusual
to watch such extraordinary play. rapidity: “Three, seven, ace!”
The young officers quitted their sofas, “Three, seven, queen!”
and even the servants crowded into Lizaveta Ivanovna has married a
the room. All pressed round Her¬ very amiable young man, a son of the
mann. The other players left off former steward of the old countess.
punting, impatient to see how it He is in the service of the govern¬
would end. Hermann stood at the ment, and receives a good income.
table and prepared to play alone Lizaveta is also supporting a poor
against the pale but still smiling relative. Tomsky has been promoted
Chekalinsky. Each opened a pack of to the rank of captain, and has be¬
cards. Chekalinsky shuffled. Her¬ come the husband of the Princess
mann took a card and covered it with Pauline.
 WEIRD TALES

The Eyrie
(Continued from page 148)

plovers Into Infinity cries aloud for a sequel. Let Martt and Prank and
Prannie and Dr. Gryce go after Brett. Let Brett return. Let anything hap¬
pen, but we must hear about it through your pages—soon. ’ ’
Except for these five letters objecting to the story, or its ending, all the
other letters received up to the time this issue goes to press have been favor¬
able, some mildly so, but most of them enthusiastic in praise of Mr., Cummings ’
imaginative tale.
“Explorers Into Infinity, by Ray Cummings, ended splendidly, this story
making me a Cummings fan,” writes Herbert E. Woodbum, of Irvington,
New Jersey. "Eli Colter’s new story, The Dark Chrysalis, promises wonders,
something different from the usual run.”
"Here are bouquets for your shivery, delightful magazine from a new
species of friend, the ‘flapper’ reader of Weird Tales,” writes Cathryn M.
Banks, of Staten Island, New York. "I’ve been reading it since the time
when, a few years ago at boarding school, one of our greatest joys was to pile
up on the bed after a chafing-dish party and listen while our best orator
read to us from Weird Tales. The effect was as spooky as we could desire,
for we put all the lights out, and our reader sat on the floor behind a screen,
a torchlight at her elbow. To name my favorite stories is not an easy matter;
I enjoy nearly all of them. The scientific ones are thrilling, educational, and
some of them, I hope, prophetic. The experiences of the delightful little
Frenchman, Jules de Grandin, are fascinating. The Man Who Cast No
Shadow had enough shivers in it for two or three weird tales. But of all
the grisly tales you’ve printed, I think the prize-winner is one you printed
a year or more ago, The Return of the Undead, by Arthur Leeds. I nominate
it as the weirdest of weird tales; the mere recollection of it has a strange
effect on one. One of your most fascinating stories was The City of Glass;
it was full of romantic glamor, yet it seemed so entirely plausible. Could
one read anything ghostlier than The Outsider or The Ghosts of Steamboat
Coulee? And besides all these, you have another type of story which appeals
to me, perhaps, most of all—those lovely, fanciful things, such as The Woman
of the Wood, a poetic idyl I shall long remember; and The Greatest Gift,
one of the best love-stories I have had the pleasure of reading. ’ ’
"I do not know when a story has affected me as much as the first
installment of The Dark Chrysalis, unless it be Dracula, which I read many
years ago,” writes H. J. Herster, of Easton, Pennsylvania. "Too bad,
though, it is a serial.”
"May I vote for The Dark Chrysalis by Eli Colter as the best story in
the June issue?” writes Gordon Philip England, of Sutton, Quebec. "That
promises to be one of the most thrilling tales you have yet printed—which is
saying a good deal.”
Mrs. J. C. Murphy, of Washington, D. C., writes: “Explorers Into
Infinity finished without a let-down, and A Suitor From the Shades was
glorious. Practically every story in this issue was worth buying the magazine
for. Can’t give any knocks to this issue (June)—only shrieks of appreciation.
But, in retrospect, I didn’t like Drome. The reason I pick on it is because
it let on to be something wonderful, and everybody said it was, but it fell
mighty flat with me. Now Explorers Into Infinity—that is something! Each
284. THE EYRIE

copy of W. T. has several delicious stories, and one or two deliriously de¬
lightful ones.”
“Keep up the weird-scientific stories,” writes Jim McDougall of Calgary,
Alberta. “Reprints are not necessary—fill this space with tales such as
Explorers Into Infinity and The Left Eye.”
“Let me congratulate you on editing the most bizarre and interesting
magazine on the market,” writes Daniel E. Goodhue, of Boston. “Serials I
don’t think are an attraction to any magazine unless they are of the type of
Mr. Cummings’ Explorers Into Infinity; few are as good as that, though.”
Writes Mrs. George H. Worley, of Kansas City, Missouri: “I just had
to write and congratulate you on your new serial. Have read your magazine
for about three years, and though you have had some wonderful stories, your
new serial, The Bark Chrysalis, bids fair to be your best. It hits right at a
thing that interests everyone—the great mystery: is there no cure for cancer?
Your stories are always food for thought, and I have to hurry and read my
copy so as to pass it on, as I live in an apartment house and everyone here
likes Weird Tales.”
“By the way,” writes Robert Smith, Jr., of Easton, Pennsylvania,
“where did you pick up that group of weird story-tellers? I am under the
impression they are modem writers (excepting the monthly reprint-story)
—and their names are not familiar to me as contributors to any other period¬
ical. I am well pleased with the way your stories are told. Your authors
are real story-tellers and raconteurs. Not just a mere jumble of weird words,
without plot or observance of the rules of story-telling, nor yet stories that
are commonplace, but really striking stories, admirably told.”
Readers, your favorite story in the June issue, as shown by your votes,
is the first installment of The Dark Chrysalis, by Eli Colter, which is closely
pressed for first honors by the concluding installment of Explorers Into
Infinity, by Ray Cummings. What is your favorite story in the present
issue ?

MY FAVORITE STORIES IN THE AUGUST WEIRD TALES ARE:

Story Remarks

(1)- -
(2)- ---
(3)- ---

I do not like the following stories:

(1) - Why ? _

(2)

It will help us to know what kind of Reader’s name and address:

stories you want in Weird Tales if you
will fill out this coupon and mail it to
The Eyrie, Weird Tales, 450 E. Ohio St.,
Chicago, Ill.
 WEIRD TALES 285

The Bride of Osiris

(Continued from page 172) Next Month
sively masked Anubis advanced in
the moving eirele of light.
The
\ s buell and Rafferty were led be-
fore the throne, the former again
scanned the face of the man seated
thereon. The closer view brought
Wolf-Woman
By BASSETT MORGAN
full recognition. He was the man of
whom Doris Lee had been in mortal
'"They dug her out of a glacier,
fear at the opera and later at the
this golden-haired vampire of
cafe, from in front of which she had
the North, and she called the white
been abducted. Evidently he had
wolves to her bidding. A strange
worn a heavy false beard and mus¬
tale of dire occult evil and terrific
tache both to serve as a disguise and
adventures in the Northland.
to cover the odd, sickle-shaped beard
which would have made him con¬
p^RESSEY found her, the most
spicuous anywhere in Chicago.
^ beautiful woman he had ever
Horus of the hawk-mask stepped
seen, entombed in the ice that had
into the eirele of light.
been her grave for centuries. When
“Mighty Osiris,” he proclaimed, he released her from her icy tomb
“I present Dan Rafferty and Alan he unwittingly loosed a darjc influ¬
Buell of the upper world. They ence on the valley—an influence
sought admittance at the gates of that worked weird madness on the
Karneter, saying that they bore a handful of white men and drained
message to the High One. ’ ’ them of their lives, as the vampire-
The man on the throne looked woman thundered into the plain on
down at them from beneath beetling the head of her mammoth and sur¬
brows. rounded by her white wolves. This
“We await the message,” he said. story will be printed complete in
the
The ibis-masked Thoth poised his
pencil expectantly. September Issue of
Rafferty looked at Buell and Buell
looked back at Rafferty. There was
a moment of ominous silence.
WEIRD TALES
‘ ‘ Quick! The message ? ” snapped On Sale August 1
Horus.
Clip and Mail this Coupon Today!
Buell gazed defiantly throneward.
“I demand the immediate release WEIRD TALES
450 East Ohio St.,
of my fiancee, Doris Lee,” he said. Chicago, m.
A sneering smile curled the lips of Enclosed find $1 for special five months
the potentate. subscription to “Weird Tales” to begin with
the September issue. (Special offer void *
“A jackal may demand his mate unless remittance is accompanied by coupon.)
from a lion,” he replied, “and as
readily gain the favor. Tour in¬
solence is in keeping with your rash¬
Address ______
ness in entering Karneter. Know
you, then, that she who was Doris Lee
City___State_
in the upper world exists no more as
286 WEIRD TALES

Life’s Secrets! Ama^ng-jnew book, “Saf eCounsef,

such. She is being prepared for the
ceremony which will be the crowning
event of the great Festival of Re four
know straight From th© shoulder. Gives adU days hence, when she will become
Isis, bride of Osiris, and co-ruler with
him of the blessed realm of Karneter.
But enough of this. We must to
business. He who was Dan Rafferty
Send No if onep will henceforth be called Baku. He
has been an electrician, a policeman,
°n '*£BS associat’iom0'**0'011- a sailor and a detective. Put him to
work at his first occupation.”
LUCK IN LOVE “Now how the diwil did yez know
I was a trouble-shooter fer the West¬
ern Electric ? ” he exclaimed.
“Silence!” commanded Ho'rus.
“The mighty Osiris sees all—knows

Be A Detective aU.”
The potentate struck the gong and
re, teBches all the triclts, two roaring, hideously masked Am-
. spotting, railroad, fact-.,
getting positions, etc. Only mits leaped into the circle of light.
They seized Dan Rafferty and hur¬
ried him away, leaving Buell with
Anubis, Horus and the scribbling
Thoth.

*2.
SONG POEM WRITERS
“As for him who was Alan Buell,
in the upper world,” said the poten¬
tate when the roaring had subsided,
Send for Bona Fide Proposition “his name shall be ‘N.’ We have
selected him for the high honor of
impersonating the Osiris N at the
Festival of Re.”
“May I ask,” queried Buell, “the
budaum. Costs S2.00
Bss&iasaBsxss
ft*ft
- reason for this unmerited kindness?”
STANDARD LABORATORIES. Sa.N 33. |BALTIMORE. M ‘ * ’Tis but a trifling thing, and will
Inks, *1.50; soon be ended,” was the reply. “Be¬
_ _ _, —ents,$3.00;
Slick Ace Cards, $1.25; Factory fore the festival is over you will have
Readers, $1.00. Sales Boards, etc. Catalog 10c.
CENTRAL NOVELTY COMPANY, entered that inner Karneter whence
112 N. La Salle Street, Chicago, Ill. no man retumeth.”
“Yon mean I am to be killed?”
TOBACCO^^^ “Precisely, but there is nothing
fflBEBBSPtSMesg about that for you to he greatly con¬
cerned over. You will not know when
OLD MONEY WANTED {*“ the blow is struck, nor will you know
dreds of Old or Odd Coins. Keep All Old Mon¬
ey, it may be very valuable. Send 10 cents for aught afterward, so far as this phys¬
New Illustrated Coin Value Book, 4x0. Guaran¬ ical world is concerned. ’ ’
teed Prices. Get Posted. We pay cash.
CLARKE COIN CO., TV. T. Dept., LeRoy, N. Y. He smote the gong and the noisy
MEN WANTING FOREST RANGER JOB, Am-mits rushed Buell off into the
$125-$200 month; nice cabin. Hunt, trap and
patrol. Nat'l Forest list free. Write Rayson, darkness.
Dept. B-43, Denver. Colo.
The strange, thrilling and weird adventures
INVENTIONS COMMERCIALIZED. PAT- that befell Doris and Buell and Rafferty in the
ented or Unpatented. Write Adam Fisher Mfg. underground city of Karneter will be narrated
06., 551 Enright, St. Louis, Mo. In next month’s issue.
 WEIRD TALES 287

Two Black Bottles

(Continued from page 258)

the other with little smiles during

my tale, I noticed, but when I sug¬
gested that they accompany me to
the spot, gave various excuses for
not earing to go. Though there
seemed to be a limit to their credu¬
lity, they cared to run no risks. I
informed them that I would go alone,
though I must confess that the
project did not appeal to me. — .'oil amount, deduct 5%.
CHICAGO TIRE & RUBBER COMPANY
As I left the store, one old man 3100 So. Michigan Ave« Dent. 312 Chicago
with a long, white beard hurried
after me and caught my arm.
“I’ll go wi’ ye, lad,” he said. “It
BUST DEVELOPED
—— My Biff Three Part Treatment is tba
ONLY ONE that gives POLIt
do seem that I once heared my DEVELOPMENT without bathing,
ous^absu §i?nPS °ri other ^a!1ser-
gran’pap tell o’ su’thin’ o’ the sort guaranteed'two DOLLAR “
concernin’ old Dominie -Slott. A 14-day rnrn
queer old man I’ve heared he were, TREATMENT ff
If yon- DIME toward expenses.
ULL
but Vanderhoof’s been worse.” (A Large AIu___„
i k‘!l /'.li;
IS IT WORTH 10c T
Dominie Vanderhoof’s grave was If not. your dime back by
open and deserted when we arrived.
Of course it could have been grave-
robbers, the two of us agreed, and
yet. ... In the belfry the bottle
What Do You Want?
Whatever it is we can help you get it. Just
which I had left upon the table was give us the chance by writing for
gone, though the fragments of the
broken one were found on the floor. “Clouds Dispelled”
And upon the heap of yellow dust Absolutely Free. You will be delighted. Act
today! Write NOW!!
and crumpled clothing that had once
THE BROTHERHOOD OF LIGHT
been Abel Foster were certain im¬ Dept. O, Box 1525,_Los Angeles, Calif,
mense footprints.
MIDGET NAME CARDS
After glancing at some of the
THE LATEST1* NOVELTY- U* S‘ Pi50c. Per Book
books and papers strewn about the yt Each book contains 50 perfect little name cards, size
belfry room, we carried them down in genuine leather case. Choice of black.
the stairs and burned them, as some¬
thing unclean and unholy. With a
spade which we found in the church refCMIDGETCARDSHOP
basement we filled in the grave of i S. Second Street., Harrisburg, P.
Johannes Vanderhoof, and, as an aft¬
erthought, flung the fallen cross
upon the flames.
Old wives say that now, when the
moon is full, there walks about the
churchyard a gigantic and bewil¬
dered figure clutching a bottle and
seeking some unremembered goal.
288 WEIRD TALES

1
THRILL-TALES
T HE remarkable success of Weird Tales has been built on thrilling stories
of a type that can be found in no other magazine; eery stories, such as
Edgar Allan Poe used to write; tales that are utterly strange; Btories of the
spaa-s between the worlds; shuddery tales of horror; bizarre and fantastic
stories; gripping orientales; ghost-tales, and tales of weird monstrosities;
weird-scientific stories of tremendous dooms that menace the earth. Among
the many thrilling stories in the next few issues will be:

THE RED BRAIN, by Donald Wandrei

A tale of cosmic space—the stars blotted out by great dust-clouds engulfing
t^unwerse, and only the efforts of the Red Brain to drive back the swirling

PICKMAN’S MODEL, by H. P. Lovecraft

An eldritch tale of the cellars In a New England city, and unutterable
monstrosities that crept from behind the crumbling walls—a horror-tale by
the author of “The Outsider" and “The Rats in the Wail."

SALADIN’S THRONE-RUG, by E. Hoffmann Price

A fascinating story set IN Chicago, but not OP Chicago, for it breathes
of spices and incense and the weird witchery of the Orient—a tale of a
strange and. eery murder.

THE DARK LORE, by Nictzin Dyalhis

The author of “When the Green Star Waned” and “The Eternal Conflict”
lets his imagination roam through the starry spaces, and builds a tale of
nightmare honors unequaled in literature.

THE POLTERGEIST, by Seabury Quinn

The old-fashioned ghost is a rarity in WEIRD TALES, but here is one that
satisfies all requirements—a fascinating tale of Jules de Grandin.

THE DEAD WAGON, by Greye La Spina

A short but powerful tale of the curse that took the first-born son in
each generation of Lord Melverson's family—a ghost-tale of shuddery

THE MOON MENACE, by Edmond Hamilton

A terrifying prospect faced a darkened world—man gone forever, a lightless
earth spinning blindly through the heavens, and the moon men its masters
from pole to pole.

T HESE are but a few of tbe many super-excellent stories in store for
the readers of Weird Tales. To make sure of getting your copy each
month, and thus avoid the embarrassment of finding your favorite news stand
sold out, just fill out the coupon below and let us send it right to your home.
That’s the safest way.

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that will cling to your memory for many
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 Easy as A
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