The narrative follows Kirby Garfield, who ventures into a dark, isolated region known as Egypt to warn Richard Brent, a reclusive white man, about a dangerous escaped convict named Tope Braxton. As Kirby navigates the ominous pine woods, he encounters Jim Tike, a terrified black man who has been brutally attacked and killed by a mysterious assailant. This attacker is later revealed to be Adam Grimm, a man with a horrific past linked to Brent. Brent, who has been living in seclusion, is haunted by his past actions during an expedition in Inner Mongolia, where he betrayed Grimm to save himself from a group of devil-worshippers. Grimm, presumed dead, has returned, transformed into a monstrous being through dark sorcery, seeking vengeance against Brent. The tension escalates as Kirby attempts to warn Brent, but Brent's paranoia leads him to suspect Kirby is in league with Grimm. As the night unfolds, Kirby learns that Brent's niece, Gloria, has arrived unexpectedly, summoned by a telegram that Brent denies sending. The atmosphere thickens with dread as Grimm's presence looms closer. Kirby, determined to protect Gloria, decides to stay near the cabin despite Brent's hostility. The situation deteriorates when Grimm attacks, using a bomb to incapacitate Brent and Gloria. In the ensuing chaos, Kirby confronts Tope Braxton, ultimately killing him in a brutal fight. However, the real horror unfolds as Grimm, now revealed as a werewolf-like creature, breaks into the cabin, intent on torturing Brent and Gloria. In a desperate attempt to save them, Kirby returns to the cabin, only to witness the horrific scene of Grimm attacking Brent. Despite shooting Grimm multiple times, the creature's unnatural resilience allows it to reach Brent, leading to a gruesome climax where Grimm kills Brent before succumbing to his own injuries. The story culminates in a chilling exploration of betrayal, vengeance, and the monstrous transformation of a man driven by a thirst for revenge, leaving a haunting impression of the darkness that can reside within humanity.
By Robert E. Howard · First published 1936 · Genre: Horror, Thriller, Dark Fantasy · 4 chapters