Introduction
Glenn Lord came up with the title of “Restless Waters” for the untitled typescript, but then later came across a letter (#101) from REH to Tevis Clyde Smith, ca. February 1929, in which REH mentions a story he wrote titled “The Fear at the Window,” and Glenn said he thought this might be the correct title for this short story. There is no indication as to where it was submitted.
“The Fear at the Window” is a chilling tale set in the mid-19th century, imbued with maritime themes and a supernatural undertone. The story revolves around the morally ambiguous characters gathered in a New England tavern during a ferocious storm. It delves into themes of guilt, retribution, and the unknown forces that govern human fate.
This story blends elements of maritime folklore and gothic horror, creating a tense and atmospheric narrative driven by deeply flawed characters.
The typescript consists of 7 pages. These consist of TSS 93901, 93907, 93902, 93906, 93903, 93905 and 93904). That order is the way to read/follow the story.
Summary:
The story is narrated by the former tap boy of the Silver Slipper, a seaport tavern, recalling the events of a stormy night in 1845. The harsh weather serves as a backdrop for a grim narrative involving betrayal, greed, and death.
Inside the tavern, the narrator observes four men: Ezra Harper, the innkeeper; Captain John Gower, a dark and mysterious shipmaster; Jonas Hopkins, a lawyer from Salem; and Captain Starkey, a brutish seafarer with a notorious reputation. The narrator tends to their drinks while they converse about the harsh life at sea, touching on the recent execution of Tom Siler, Starkey’s former first mate, accused of mutiny. Starkey, already drunk, vehemently defends his actions, though others in the room exchange subtle doubts about his integrity.
The tension escalates when Betty, Starkey’s niece, bursts into the tavern, disheveled and pleading to escape her arranged marriage to the wealthy but older Joseph Harmer. She declares her love for Dick Hansen, a sailor presumed dead under mysterious circumstances. Starkey reacts violently, threatening her into submission, but is stopped by Gower, who intervenes and shields Betty from his wrath. Ezra Harper then escorts Betty upstairs to safety.
As the storm outside intensifies, Jonas Hopkins confronts Starkey with accusations. He reveals that Starkey had orchestrated Hansen’s disappearance by having him shanghaied onto a British whaler bound for distant seas. Furthermore, Starkey murdered Tom Siler to silence him, as Siler had discovered the truth about Hansen’s fate. Hopkins adds that Hansen, still alive, intends to return to America.
Starkey, cornered by these revelations, defiantly dismisses them, asserting his control over Betty’s future. Drunkenly boasting, he mocks Tom Siler’s death, raising a toast to the man he hanged. However, his bravado is cut short. Starkey’s attention is drawn to the frosted tavern window. There, he sees a shadowy image of Tom Siler’s face, framed by a spectral noose. Overcome with terror, Starkey collapses and dies instantly.
The story concludes with the narrator revealing that none of the other men saw what he did. The vision of Tom Siler’s ghost remains a haunting memory, serving as a grim testament to Starkey’s guilt and the uncanny forces that exacted retribution.
Characters:
- Ezra Harper: The innkeeper of the Silver Slipper; a pragmatic and kind man who aids Betty in her time of need.
- Captain John Gower: A dark and enigmatic shipmaster, skeptical of Starkey and willing to stand up to him for Betty’s sake.
- Jonas Hopkins: A sharp-witted lawyer who exposes Starkey’s crimes and provides crucial evidence of Dick Hansen’s survival.
- Captain Starkey: The antagonist, a cruel and tyrannical sea captain responsible for the deaths of Tom Siler and the betrayal of Dick Hansen.
- Betty: Starkey’s niece, a young woman in love with Dick Hansen, striving to escape her arranged marriage.
- Joseph Harmer: A wealthy shipowner who seeks to marry Betty, offering Starkey financial compensation.
- Tom Siler: Starkey’s former first mate, wrongfully executed for mutiny; his ghostly visage enacts justice.
- Dick Hansen: Betty’s true love, presumed dead but revealed to be alive and striving to return to her.