The Female of the Species

Introduction

Unfinished story. 2800 words written. Might be the same as ‘The Feminine of the Species’ which Howard submitted to Argosy-Allstory in 1922-1923. Howard listed this story in a list he included in a letter to Tevis Clyde Smith, circa February 1929.

The Female of the Species is an incomplete story centered on the experiences of a New York gangster named Larry “the Bat.” The narrative explores relationships, emotions, and the unpredictable nature of human interactions, particularly those involving women. Set against the backdrop of a small southern town, the story reflects themes of loyalty, love, betrayal, and societal expectations.

Summary

The story begins with Larry “the Bat,” a gangster and yegg from New York, recounting his experiences involving women, whom he calls “queer birds.” While serving time in Sing-Sing, Larry tells a reformer that it was a woman—a “skirt”—who led to his incarceration. He stole a pearl necklace for his girlfriend, only for her to abandon him and run off with another man.

Upon release, Larry gets back to his trade but soon flees New York after a police raid and an altercation with an officer. Carrying enough money from a recent job, he decides to head to Florida to escape the winter and the authorities. He lands in a quiet Gulf town, renting a room in a hotel near the beach and spending his time in leisure.

One day, Larry meets Jack Hallum, a well-built and likable young man who is a native of the town but far from a “hick.” Jack, a lawyer struggling to establish his career, and Larry quickly bond, fishing and sharing stories. Jack confides that his reason for staying in the town is Marion, the daughter of one of the town’s influential men. Jack is deeply in love with her, but Marion refuses to marry him, and Jack fears she may accept another man’s proposal if he leaves.

Larry meets Marion at a hotel dance. She is described as beautiful, small, and aristocratic, with golden hair and violet eyes. Despite her elegance, Larry notes how Marion takes Jack for granted, treating him as a dependable, devoted fixture in her life while ignoring his feelings. Marion’s behavior frustrates Larry, who sees Jack’s devotion as pathetic but also admires his sincerity.

Things escalate when Montague, a wealthy and arrogant man from Chicago, arrives in town. Montague is described as dominant, handsome, and self-assured, evoking comparisons to the “Sheik” from popular fiction. Marion, despite Jack’s unwavering loyalty and gentlemanly demeanor, falls for Montague’s rough and commanding nature. Larry becomes angry seeing Marion allow Montague liberties—such as public displays of affection—that she never permitted Jack. Jack, humiliated, confronts Montague, only to be dismissed and insulted by both Montague and Marion.

Larry grows increasingly protective of Jack and resentful of Montague. After observing Montague kissing Marion on the beach, Larry decides to take matters into his own hands. He picks a fight with Montague in a secluded area, attacking him with knuckle dusters after a heated exchange. Montague later claims he was attacked by footpads but does not identify Larry as the culprit.

Despite Montague’s temporary retreat, Marion continues to favor him, leaving Jack heartbroken. When Larry overhears that Montague plans to take Marion to his yacht, he intervenes by summoning Jack, claiming Marion has been abducted. Jack, furious and determined, races with Larry to the beach, where they find Montague kissing Marion. Misunderstanding the situation, Jack fights Montague in a brutal fistfight and knocks him unconscious.

Jack then turns to Marion, overcome with emotion. For the first time, he asserts himself, shaking her and kissing her in a way that is both passionate and forceful, declaring that he is no longer her slave but her master. Marion, however, responds coolly, claiming Montague had just proposed to her and she accepted. Jack, still determined, refuses to let her go.

At this point, Larry steps in to break up the situation, attempting to calm Jack down. When Jack resists, Larry knocks him out to prevent further chaos. Marion reacts unexpectedly, scolding Larry for interfering and ruining the moment. Larry, frustrated and bewildered, carries Jack back to his office and leaves him there to recover.

The story ends with an epilogue where Jack, upon awakening, laughs off the incident and announces that Marion has accepted his proposal. Jack invites Larry to be his best man at the wedding. Larry reflects on the unpredictability of women, recalling the reformer’s words: “The feminine of the species—” Well, he was right!

Characters

  • Larry “the Bat”: The narrator, a New York gangster and yegg who temporarily settles in a Gulf town to avoid trouble. Though hardened and cynical, Larry becomes protective of Jack and takes action against Montague to defend him.
  • Jack Hallum: A likable and sincere young lawyer from the town who is deeply in love with Marion. Jack’s devotion to her makes him appear weak, but he shows resolve and physical strength when confronting Montague.
  • Marion: A beautiful, aristocratic young woman who is the object of Jack’s affections. She is polite and refined but exhibits a capricious nature, falling for Montague’s domineering personality while disregarding Jack’s devotion.
  • Montague: A wealthy, arrogant man from Chicago who charms Marion with his dominant and forceful manner. He becomes a rival to Jack and is eventually knocked out by both Larry and Jack.
  • Unnamed Reformer: A man who visits Sing-Sing prison and engages Larry in conversation, suggesting that women are more prone to leading men into trouble.

The incomplete story portrays the complexities of relationships and human nature through the interactions of its characters, blending humor, action, and social observation.

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