People of the Serpent

Introduction

“The People of the Serpent” is a gripping tale that entwines elements of mystery, horror, and adventure, set against the backdrop of a menacing swamp. The story follows Steve Harrison, a determined and rugged detective, as he ventures into the treacherous swamp in pursuit of a criminal named Woon Shang. See also “Fangs of Gold“.

Howard’s agent, Kline, received this story and also “Hawks over Egypt” on October 23, 1933.

The February 1934 issue of Strange Detective Stories carried two stories by REH: “The Tomb’s Secret” and “Fangs of Gold.” It appears that the story titles were inadvertently switched.
Howard’s agent, Otis Adelbert Kline, kept a list of titles and the magazines that purchased them.

Above “The Teeth of Doom” on Kline’s list, someone added “The Tomb’s Secret.”
Above “The People of the Serpent” on Kline’s list, someone added “Fangs of Gold.”

Alternate title:

FANGS OF GOLD.

The story

Woon Shang is a city-bred individual who has murdered an old Chinaman with a meat cleaver, stealing a significant sum of money, which leaves the victim’s granddaughter penniless.

As Harrison and his guide, Rogers, navigate the swamp, they encounter a series of ominous signs and local lore that hint at deeper horrors within. The swamp is not only a physical barrier but also a boundary between the known world and the dark secrets that lie beyond. The swamp dwellers, descendants of refugees from Haiti, are cloaked in mystery, with their own customs and beliefs that are foreign and often hostile to outsiders.

The narrative takes a dark turn when Harrison stumbles upon Joe Corley, a local who has been fatally wounded. Corley’s last words hint at a sinister figure known as the Swamp Cat, a crazed individual who roams the swamp and is feared by all. Despite Rogers’ warnings and the palpable sense of danger, Harrison presses on, driven by a blend of professional duty and personal conviction to bring Woon Shang to justice and recover the stolen money for the Chinaman’s granddaughter.

The heart of the story unfolds as Harrison delves deeper into the swamp, uncovering a plot that goes beyond mere criminal activity. He encounters Celia Pompoloi, a key figure entangled in a web of voodoo, betrayal, and power struggles. Celia reveals the existence of a cult that worships the Great Serpent, planning a human sacrifice with Woon Shang as the intended victim. The narrative escalates as Harrison and Celia race against time to thwart the sacrifice, confront Bartholomew, and uncover the true nature of the swamp’s darkness.

Characters

  • Steve Harrison: The protagonist, a detective with a strong moral compass, unwavering in the face of supernatural and human evil.
  • Woon Shang: The antagonist, whose crimes spark the unfolding events, leading Harrison into the heart of the swamp’s darkness.
  • Rogers: Harrison’s guide, providing insight into the swamp’s dangers and the lore of its inhabitants.
  • Joe Corley: A victim of the swamp’s violence, whose death hints at the lurking terror of the Swamp Cat.
  • Celia Pompoloi: A pivotal character with deep ties to the swamp’s mystical and cultural heritage, aiding Harrison in his quest.

Published in:

Source: Howard Works. Teaser art by: Guillaume Sorel.