The story opens in Chapter I: "The Ghost of duke de Gooie", introducing Reginald Van Duffe, a guest at the old and ominously named Castle of Buncbosh-on-the-Blooey, located somewhere in France. In true Gothic fashion, Reginald is startled awake by a spooky voice proclaiming itself the ghost of Duke de Gooie, who was allegedly murdered in the castle and now haunts its corridors seeking revenge. The ghost announces that Reggie is to be his first victim.

Displaying notable courage—or the lack thereof—Reginald promptly dives under the bed. The ghost reacts with theatrical wailing and a “Sioux ghost-dance,” but with the arrival of dawn, he vanishes in a puff of frustration.

Chapter II: "Reggie Sees Asmodeus" continues the absurdity as the ghost physically yanks Reggie from his bed and hauls him through space. Reggie laments the state of his hair during this terrifying transit. He is dropped into a vast, hellish cavern filled with an array of classic horror-fantasy creatures: ghosts, witches, demons, goblins, vampires, werewolves, and others.

There, he meets Asmodeus, a diabolical figure in black who serves as his host. Reggie, attempting to remain polite, extends a hand in greeting, only for Asmodeus to drop a cat into it, prompting mocking laughter from the entire supernatural crowd.

Asmodeus proceeds to introduce a number of iconic devils:

• Mephistopheles, whose handshake burns Reggie’s hand.

• Lucifer, who taps Reggie on the head with a trident.

• Pluto, whimsically presented as the inventor of "Pluto Water" and prone to prodding guests with a red-hot spear.

Amid the jests, a goblin offers Reggie a chair, and Asmodeus rakes his claws across Reggie’s face, asking what business brought him there. The story ends mid-scene, leaving unresolved the purpose of Reggie’s descent into the underworld, the plans of his demonic hosts, and whether he escapes or embraces his bizarre fate.