“The Purple Heart of Erlik” is a tale of deception, intrigue, and violence, showcasing the darker aspects of human nature against the backdrop of Shanghai’s seedy underbelly. The story follows Arline Ellis, a woman blackmailed by Duke Tremayne into stealing a precious ruby, the Heart of Erlik, from Woon Yuen, a Chinese merchant with a sinister reputation. Arline’s mission takes a dangerous turn, leading to an unexpected alliance with Wild Bill Clanton, a rough yet resourceful sailor.

The narrative, rich in the atmosphere of its era, showcases themes of deceit, survival, and the quest for redemption against the backdrop of 1930s Shanghai.

It was published by Spicy-Adventure Stories under the name Sam Walser. The story was sold for $26.00 to Trojan by Otto Binder, Kline’s New York representative circa December 1935.