Murderer’s Grog

Introduction

Murderer’s Grog. One of Howard’s spicy stories was published under the name Sam Walser. Featuring Wild Bill Clanton.

The story was received by Kline on April 27, 1936. Circa May 1936 it was sold to Trojan by Binder for $27.00.

This final version of “Murderer’s Grog” showcases Howard’s ability to weave a tale of dark passions and violent resolutions, set against the exotic and perilous backdrop of early 20th-century Central Asia.

See also information about the unpublished 1st draft.

Alternate title:

OUTLAW WORKING. 

From the letters:

On June 3, 1936, Howard wrote to his friend E. Hoffmann Price (letter #353):

Dear Ed:

Sorry to hear Pawang Ali has been banished. I can’t imagine why. It was a fine series. However I’m sure you’ll find another character to take his place. I haven’t time to write much. My mother is very low and I fear cannot survive. I have little heart to speak of writing or anything else, but I will say that I have made several sales recently: the first two of the Pike Bearfield series to Argosy, another Spicy adventure, a Breck Elkins yarn to Action (now a monthly and has expressed a desire for a monthly Elkins) and another of the same type to Popular’s Star Western. All these sales were made within the past ten days.

Pawang Ali was the hero of a series of detective stories by Price that ran in Clues Detective from 1933 to 1936. The Pike Bearfield stories Howard refers to is “A Gent from the Pecos,” published 3 October 1936, and “Gents on the Lynch,” published October 17, 1936. Murderer’s Grog is the spicy adventure and The Elkins stories are “Sharp’s Gun Serenade,” published in January 1937 and “The Curly Wolf of Sawtooth,” published in September 1936.

Story summary

“Murderer’s Grog,” the final version of Robert E. Howard’s story, unfolds in Peshawur, where Wild Bill Clanton seeks vengeance and profit in a tale of deceit, ambition, and lust. Clanton, facing the loss of investments and a potential prison sentence, is drawn to the chambers of Sonya Ormanoff, a woman living amidst the city’s mysteries. Despite her initial coldness, Clanton’s desire for her is unquenched, leading to a confrontation that reveals Sonya’s true nature and intentions.

Clanton’s main concern is a business venture involving the sale of Russian rifles in the Independent Territory, requiring protection from Baber Ali Khan, a local chieftain. However, when Sonya, who he discovers is a Russian spy, and her lover Mirza Pasha betray him, Clanton is fueled by revenge and the effects of bhang, a powerful intoxicant. His violent retaliation against Sonya and Mirza is a desperate assertion of his dominance and a step towards reclaiming his venture.

The story climaxes with Clanton’s brutal conquest of Sonya after discovering the depth of her betrayal. He obtains a safe-conduct pass from Mirza, enabling him to proceed with his arms deal, leaving behind a trail of violence and vengeance. The narrative is a vivid portrayal of a man’s struggle against betrayal, set against the backdrop of a city teeming with intrigue and danger.

Characters

  • Wild Bill Clanton: The protagonist, a rugged adventurer entangled in a risky arms deal, seeking profit and protection in the lawless regions beyond Peshawur.
  • Sonya Ormanoff: A mysterious and seductive woman living in Peshawur, initially appearing as Clanton’s love interest but later revealed as a Russian spy and the main antagonist.
  • Mirza Pasha: Sonya’s lover and an agent for Baber Ali Khan, who betrays Clanton but eventually provides him with a crucial safe-conduct pass.
  • Baber Ali Khan: A chieftain in the Independent Territory, whose protection Clanton seeks for his arms deal.
  • Punjabi Maid: Sonya’s servant, initially seen interacting with Clanton upon his arrival at Sonya’s residence.
  • Tajik Servants: Sonya’s other servants who attempt to protect her and are defeated by Clanton in a frenzied attack.
  • One-eyed Waziri: An observer who follows Clanton and indirectly contributes to the plot by suggesting the dive-keeper give Clanton bhang.
  • Musa: The dive-keeper who serves Clanton the bhang, influencing his subsequent actions.
  • Deputy Commissioner: A British official mentioned as having previously clashed with Clanton, though not directly involved in the story’s events.

Comparison between the draft and final story

The comparison between the first draft and the final version of “Murderer’s Grog” by Robert E. Howard reveals several key differences in character development, narrative flow, and thematic elements. Here’s a detailed comparison:

Characters and Names

  • Name Changes: The female lead’s name changes from Olga Valisky in the first draft to Sonya Ormanoff in the final version, suggesting a refinement in character identity.
  • Character Depth: In the final version, characters are more developed. Sonya Ormanoff is portrayed with greater complexity, and her motivations and background are clearer, enhancing the story’s intrigue and engagement.

Plot and Structure

  • Narrative Flow: The final version features a more polished and streamlined narrative. The plot is tighter, with clearer motivations for Clanton and a more detailed exposition of the geopolitical and personal stakes involved.
  • Violence and Consequences: The portrayal of violence, especially towards the end of the story, is handled differently. The first draft’s ending is more abrupt and graphic, whereas the final version provides a more nuanced resolution, focusing on Clanton’s revenge and strategic escape rather than explicit violence.

Thematic Elements

  • Moral Ambiguity: The final version emphasizes the moral ambiguity of the characters, including Clanton’s ruthless pursuit of his goals and Sonya’s complex allegiances. This adds depth to the narrative, inviting readers to reflect on the characters’ motivations and the consequences of their actions.
  • Colonial and Political Context: The final version places greater emphasis on the colonial and political context of Peshawur, the Independent Territory, and the arms trade. This enriches the story’s setting and heightens the stakes for Clanton’s venture.

Style and Tone

  • Descriptive Detail: The final version includes more detailed descriptions of settings, characters, and actions, creating a richer and more immersive reading experience.
  • Tone: While both drafts feature a tone of adventure and danger, the final version refines this with added layers of tension and intrigue, particularly through the interactions between Clanton, Sonya, and Mirza Pasha.

Content Sensitivity

  • Handling of Sensitive Content: The first draft contains elements that might be considered more explicit or sensitive, particularly in the depiction of violence and sexual content. The final version addresses these aspects with a bit more subtlety, focusing on the psychological and emotional implications of the characters’ actions.

Conclusion

The transition from the first draft to the final version of “Murderer’s Grog” showcases Robert E. Howard’s skill in refining his narratives. By deepening character development, streamlining the plot, and enriching the thematic complexity, the final version presents a more engaging and sophisticated story that retains the adventurous spirit of the draft while offering a more polished literary work.

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