The Hand of Obeah

Introduction

“The Hand of Obeah” is a novelette that presents a tale of intrigue, deception, and supernatural elements set in the American South. The story revolves around the mischief and subsequent adventures of two young boys, a mysterious mulatto posing as a Portuguese detective, and an uprising of superstitious and manipulated African-Americans, all centered around the influence of Obeah, a system of spiritual healing and justice-making practices. The story was submitted to Adventure in 1925 but was rejected.

The title and information are gathered from a letter Howard wrote to his friend Tevis Clyde Smith circa February 1929 (letter #101).

Summary

The story begins with the narrator and his friend Skinny Dillon scaring ‘Lisha, a college-educated African-American who resents doing menial labor. They trick ‘Lisha into believing in the power of Obeah by disguising themselves and creating supernatural sounds. This prank deeply affects ‘Lisha, who becomes obsessed with Obeah and starts spreading tales among the local African-American community.

‘Lisha’s newfound belief in Obeah coincides with the arrival of a mysterious European named Lopez da Vasca and his two servants, Santiago and Jose, in the town. ‘Lisha quits his job and becomes increasingly erratic, speaking of a coming event and attracting a following among the African-Americans.

The narrator and Skinny decide to follow ‘Lisha to uncover what he is up to. They discover that ‘Lisha and his followers are meeting in the Haunted Brakes, a notorious and feared area among the locals due to its history of supernatural occurrences. There, they witness ‘Lisha delivering passionate speeches about Obeah and a forthcoming liberator who will lead them to freedom.

The boys observe that da Vasca and his servants are involved in the gatherings. One night, they encounter Santiago and Jose at a secret meeting in the cane brakes, where they learn about a planned uprising among the African-Americans, instigated by da Vasca.

As the tension in the town rises, a gruesome murder occurs: an old maid, Miss Kenson, is found beheaded in her home. The narrator is initially suspected but is eventually exonerated. Da Vasca, posing as a detective, manipulates the investigation, trying to incriminate the narrator. However, the narrator realizes that da Vasca and his men are behind the murder and other sinister activities.

With the help of Lin Landers, a young attorney, and Berwick, a mysterious Englishman, the narrator uncovers the true identity of da Vasca. He is a mulatto criminal from Haiti, skilled in Obeah and intent on stealing a valuable diamond hidden in the Haunted Brakes.

The story reaches its climax when the narrator, Skinny, and the others confront da Vasca and his men in the Haunted Brakes. After a fierce struggle, Santiago is killed, but da Vasca escapes on a hidden launch, evading capture. The narrator and his friends manage to stop the uprising and recover the stolen diamond, bringing a semblance of peace back to the town.

Characters

  • Narrator (Steve): The protagonist who, along with his friend Skinny, starts the chain of events by scaring ‘Lisha and subsequently uncovering da Vasca’s plans.
  • Skinny Dillon: The narrator’s friend, known for his adventurous spirit and involvement in the prank on ‘Lisha.
  • ‘Lisha: An educated African-American who becomes obsessed with Obeah and inadvertently aids da Vasca’s plans.
  • Lopez da Vasca: A mulatto criminal from Haiti posing as a Portuguese detective, masterminding the uprising and seeking a valuable diamond.
  • Santiago: Da Vasca’s hulking servant, involved in the criminal activities and ultimately killed in the final confrontation.
  • Jose: Another of da Vasca’s servants, a sinister figure with a flat forehead, reminiscent of a leopard.
  • Lin Landers: A young attorney who helps the narrator uncover the truth about da Vasca.
  • Berwick: A mysterious Englishman who aids the narrator and reveals crucial information about da Vasca.
  • Miss Kenson: An old maid who is brutally murdered by Jose, sparking a major part of the investigation.
  • Chub Bland: A friend of the narrator who gets involved in the final confrontation against da Vasca and his men.
  • Tong: Berwick’s loyal Chinese servant, who fights bravely in the final battle.

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