A Tryst with Ghosts by Edgar Wallace
The narrative unfolds during the aftermath of World War I, centering on Nigel Porter, a Canadian veteran who embarks on a journey to Europe to fulfill a promise made during the war. He recalls a fateful encounter with a German officer named Karl during a Christmas Eve battle in 1917, where they formed an unlikely bond amidst the chaos of war. They agreed to meet again in four years, should they survive, with Karl humorously stating he would keep a "tryst with a ghost" if Nigel did not return. As Nigel travels to Ypres, he reflects on the changes since the war, noting the reconstruction and the haunting remnants of destruction. Upon arriving, he seeks out the crater where he was injured, intending to honor Karl's memory. To his astonishment, he encounters Karl alive, who had also come to keep their promise. Their reunion is marked by a shared understanding of the horrors of war and the absurdity of their past. The story takes a twist when Nigel meets Elsie Steyne, a fellow passenger on his ship, who is revealed to be Karl's sister. Unbeknownst to Nigel, she had been worried about her brother's safety and had been searching for him. The narrative explores themes of friendship, the lingering effects of war, and the complexities of identity and loyalty. As the characters navigate their intertwined fates, the story delves into the psychological scars left by the war, the absurdity of their previous enmity, and the possibility of reconciliation. The revelation of Karl's true identity and his connection to Elsie adds depth to the narrative, highlighting the personal impacts of war beyond the battlefield. Ultimately, the tale concludes with a sense of hope and the potential for new beginnings, as the characters confront their pasts and look toward the future, embodying the resilience of the human spirit in the face of adversity.
By Edgar Wallace · First published 1926 · Genre: Mystery, Historical Fiction, Romance · 6,285 words
First lines
Once upon a time, in the far-away days of war, there was a mythical or semi-mythical individuality whom the British Tommies named "Quiff. " He was credited with a prescience which was quite inhuman. He knew when the divisions were mustering for attack; he warned commanders of impending raids; at his word battalion chiefs were superseded. for he had an uncanny instinct for weakness. He was the guardian angel of five hundred miles of trench line, and was visualized as a white-bearded gentleman, with a halo. When the enemy put a price on his head of 50,000 marks (in those days marks were real money), thus proving his tangibility, the line was immensely startled.
What this Textopian page supports
A Tryst with Ghosts is listed on Textopian as a novel by Edgar Wallace, dated 1926 CE.
This source record anchors work identity, reading entry points, and catalog context for checking claims about the work.
- Work type: Novel
- Author: Edgar Wallace
- Date: 1926 CE
- Language: English
- Genres: Mystery, Historical Fiction, Romance, Adventure, Supernatural
- Length: 6,285 words
- Structure: 1 section, 117 paragraphs
- Reading fit: Fairly Easy (7th Grade)
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Similar titles
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Genres
- Mystery — The plot revolves around a mysterious character, 'Quiff', and the protagonist's journey to uncover truths related to his past and the war.
- Historical Fiction — The narrative is set against the backdrop of World War I, exploring themes of war, memory, and the impact of historical events on personal lives.
- Romance — The relationship between Nigel Porter and Elsie Steyne develops throughout the story, adding a romantic subplot to the main narrative.
- Adventure — Nigel's journey across the Atlantic and into war-torn Europe embodies elements of adventure as he seeks to fulfill a promise.
Tags
ghosts · mystery · supernatural · thriller · suspense · adventure · detective · haunting · occult · paranormal · fiction · historical