Lal Singh, Oriental Gentleman
Introduction
Lal Singh, Oriental Gentleman follows Lal Singh through Benares, where the Westernized Sikh looks for opportunities among the crowds of pilgrims and becomes involved in a series of dangerous schemes.
Howard submitted the story to Adventure, but it was not accepted.
Summary spoilers
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.
Textual states
Shown in a practical developmental order where possible: synopsis/outline, numbered drafts, submission states, then published or posthumous states. This display order does not itself assert exact chronology or textual authority.
Characters in this Work
Counts are across exact Textual Versions currently represented. Additional textual research may add further appearances.
Publication appearances
The Adventures of Lal SinghCryptic Publications1985↗
Кровь богов (Krov bogov) (Blood of the Gods) P ublication information courtesy of the Russian website Laboratory of Fantasy .Северо-Запад (Severo-Zapad) (North-West)1998↗
Las espadas de Shahrazar (The Swords of Shahrazar)La Hermandad del Enmascarado (Spain)September 2008 November 2022 (2nd expanded edition)↗
The Early Adventures of El BorakREH Foundation PressMarch 2010↗
Kirby O'Donnell. Cacciatore di Tesori Deluxe Edition (Kirby O'Donnell. Treasure Hunter)Providence PressFebruary 2018↗
Клинки Востока (Klinki Vostoka) (Blades of the East) Cover and p ublication information courtesy of the Russian website Laboratory of Fantasy .Подсолнухи (Sunflowers)2020↗
The Early Adventures of El BorakREH Foundation PressSeptember 2024↗
La maldición de la daga de tres filos. Las aventuras de El Borak. Tomo 2 (Three-Bladed Doom - The Adventures of El Borak Book 2)La Hermandad del Enmascarado (Spain)April 2025↗