Introduction
“Lal Singh, Oriental Gentleman” delves into the adventures of Lal Singh as he maneuvers through the dangers and opportunities presented by the bustling city of Benares. Dressed as a Westernized Sikh, he navigates through the crowded pilgrimage site with a keen eye for profit, drawn by the potential wealth carried by pilgrims.
Howard submitted the story to Adventure without success.
The story is a vibrant portrayal of Lal Singh’s adventures, packed with action, strategy, and a deep understanding of human and cultural dynamics.
Summary
Lal Singh arrives in Benares, not as a pilgrim but as a strategist looking to capitalize on the influx of wealth during the pilgrimage season. Observing from the sidelines, he notes the various characters in the crowd, his focus sharp on potential opportunities. His primary goal is to tap into the wealth that pilgrims carry, knowing they prefer to carry cash rather than trust banks.
As Lal Singh scouts for opportunities, he is aware of the presence of other predators, including low-caste Hindus and Moslems, who operate in groups. However, Lal Singh prefers to work alone, relying on his sharp wit and bravery, qualities inherent to a Sikh.
One day, he tails a group of thieves he has been watching for some time. His pursuit leads him into a trap where he faces the bandits in a small courtyard. Despite the threat, he cleverly navigates the situation, managing to escape by creating confusion and leveraging his superior physical abilities.
Lal Singh’s adventures continue as he keeps a low profile, observing and planning his next move. He decides to act when the thieves gather to divide their loot, planning to rob them of their accumulated wealth.
As Lal Singh enacts his plan, he navigates the rooftops and alleys with agility, eventually confronting the bandits. A tense and tactical confrontation unfolds, showcasing Lal Singh’s mastery in combat. His plan succeeds, allowing him to seize a significant sum from the thieves.
In the aftermath, Lal Singh contemplates the events, acknowledging the role of karma in his ventures. He leaves Benares richer and heads to Delhi, anticipating sharing his tale with his partner, Marendra Mukerji.
Characters
- Lal Singh – A Sikh warrior and strategist, skilled in combat and cunning, who seeks to profit from the pilgrims in Benares.
- Marendra Mukerji – Lal Singh’s confidant and partner in schemes, currently away in Delhi.
- Band of Thieves – A group including various low-caste Hindus and Moslems, along with a Thag leader, who Lal Singh targets and outwits to seize their ill-gotten wealth.
- Thag Leader – The chief of the bandits, who organizes the group’s activities and holds the collective loot. He is outmaneuvered by Lal Singh in the climax.
- Various Pilgrims – Including Hindu pilgrims, a Jat, and a Moslem, part of the backdrop against which Lal Singh operates, illustrating the diverse crowd in Benares.
Published in:
- THE ADVENTURES OF LAL SINGH, Cryptic Publications, 1985
- BLOOD OF THE GODS, North-West, 1998 (Russian)
- THE EARLY ADVENTURES OF EL BORAK, REH Foundation Press, March 2010
- KIRBY O’DONNELL. CACCIATORE DI TESORI DELUXE EDITION, Providence Press, February 2018 (Italian)
- THE EARLY ADVENTURES OF EL BORAK, Ultimate Edition, REH Foundation Press, September 2024