“The Repairer of Reputations” from Robert W. Chambers’ influential collection, “The King in Yellow.”
First published in 1895, this story stands as a cornerstone of weird fiction, predating and inspiring elements of cosmic horror. Set in an alternate 1920s America, it weaves a tale of ambition, madness, and the unsettling nature of reality itself, as we follow the protagonist, Hildred Castaigne, down a path where the surreal becomes terrifyingly real.
Prepare for a journey into a world where societal norms are upended and the line between sanity and insanity blurs. Our narration seeks to capture the essence of Chambers’ vision, bringing each chilling moment to you with the power and intimacy that only the spoken word can convey.
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Timestamps:
0:00 – Introduction to “The Repairer of Reputations”
02:08 – Chapter 1
22:48 – Chapter 2
48:44 – Chapter 3
01:18:27 – Outro
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Short Story Horror Audiobook
Remember, the universe is full of mystery, and sometimes, the most captivating tales are those that dance on the edges of reality. Join us as we unravel the strands of the unknown. Thank you for listening, and we hope to see you in the comments!
Welcome back ladies and gentlemen tonight we unearth a seminal piece from the annals of classic literature the repairer of reputations is a short story of considerable Renown penned by American author Robert W Chambers and first published in 1895 within the pages of the King in Yellow a pioneering force in the genre
Of weird fiction it Treads the path that would Inspire the cosmic horror of HP Lovecraft set against the backdrop of an imagined 1920s America the story unveils a society that has embraced unsettling and bizarre changes including the chilling concept of government sanctioned lethal Chambers it is here within this alternate reality that
Chambers weaves a taale Rife with Madness distorted perceptions of reality and the seductive pull of power all influenced by the malevolent forces emanating from the infamous play the King in Yellow Through The Eyes of hildred castain we embark on a chilling journey of ambition intertwined with Insanity Chambers challenges us to
Question the fragility of the human mind when faced with Forbidden Knowledge and unattainable desires his narrative invites us into the depths of the human psyche and societal constructs urging us to explore the fine line between between sanity and Madness as we delve into chamber’s dystopian Vision his story unfolds as a
Rich tapestry of speculation and horror let us explore the disquieting corridors of this narrative where The Uncanny and the profound merge into an experience designed to haunt us well beyond our listening hours if this journey into the Shadows captivates you please like share and subscribe your thought helps us
Continue to bring these Timeless stories of darkness and Intrigue to light let’s dive in the repairer of reputations by Robert W Chambers one toward the end of the year 1920 the government of the United States had practically completed the program adopted during the last months of President winthrop’s Administration the
Country was a apparently tranquil everybody knows how the Tariff and labor questions were settled the war with Germany incident on that country’s seizure of the Samoan Islands had left no visible scars upon the Republic and the temporary occupation of Norfolk by the invading Army had been forgotten in
The joy over repeated Naval victories and the subsequent ridiculous plight of General von gartan laba forces in the state of New Jersey the Cuban and Hawaiian Investments had paid 100% And the territory of Samoa was well worth its cost as a coaling station the country was in a superb state of Defense
Every coast city had been well supplied with land fortifications the Army under the parental eye of the general staff organized according to the Prussian system had been increased to 300,000 men with a territorial reserve of a million and six magnificent squadrons of Cruisers and battleships patrolled the six Stations of the navigable Seas
Leaving a steam Reserve amply fitted to control home Waters the gentleman from the West had at last been constrained to acknowledge that a college for the training of diplomats was a necessary as law schools are for the training of barristers consequently we were no longer represented abroad by incompetent
Patriots the nation was prosperous Chicago for a moment paralyzed after a second great fire had risen from its ruins white and Imperial and more beautiful than the White City which had been built for its play thing in 1893 everywhere good architecture was replacing bad and even in New York a
Sudden craving for decency had Swept Away a great portion of the existing Horrors streets had been widened properly paved and lighted trees had been planted squares laid out elevated structures demolished and underground roads built to replace them the new government buildings and Barracks were fine bits of architecture and the long
System of stone Keys which completely surrounded the island had been turned into Parks which proved a godsend to the population the subsidizing of the State Theater and state Opera brought its own reward the United States National Academy of Design was much like European institutions of the same kind nobody
Envied the Secretary of Fine Arts either his cabinet position or his portfolio the Secretary of Forestry and game preservation had a much easier time thanks to the new system of national Mounted Police we had profited well by the latest treaties with France and England the exclusion of foreign born
Jews as a measure of national self-preservation the settlement of the new independent negro state of suani the checking of immigration the new laws concerning naturalization and the gradual centralization of power in the executive all contributed to National calm and prosperity when the government solved the Indian problem and squadrons
Of Indian Cavalry Scouts in Native costume were substituted for the pitiable organizations tacked onto the tale of skeletonized regiments by the former Secretary of War the nation drew a long sigh of relief when after the Colossal Congress of religions bigotry and intolerance were laid in their graves and kindness
And charity began to draw Waring sex together many thought the Millennium had arrived at least in the new world which after all is a world by itself but self-preservation is the first law and the United States had to look on in helpless sorrow as Germany Italy Spain
And Belgium wried in the throws of Anarchy while Russia watching from the Caucasus stooped and bound them one by one in the city of New York the summer of 1910 was signalized by the dismantling of the elevated railroads the summer of 1911 will live in the
Memories of New York people for many a cycle the Dodge statue was removed in that year in the following winter began the agitation for the repeal of the laws prohibiting suicide which bore its final fruit in the month of April 1920 when the first government lethal chamber was
Opened on Washington Square I had walked down that day from Dr Archer’s house on Madison Avenue where I had been as a mere formality ever since that fall from my horse four years before I had been troubled at times with pains in the back of my head and neck but now for months
They had been absent and the doctor sent me away that day saying there was nothing more to be cured in me it was hardly worth his fee to be told that I knew it myself still I did not Grudge him the money what I minded was the
Mistake which he made at first when they picked me up from the pavement where I lay unconscious and somebody had mercifully sent a bullet though my horse’s head I was carried to Dr Archer and he pronouncing my brain affected placed me in his private Asylum where I was obliged to endure treatment for
Insanity at last he decided that I was well and I knowing that my mind had always been as sound as his if not Sounder paid my tuition as he jokingly called it and left I told him smiling that I would get even with him for his mistake and he laughed heartily and
Asked me to call once in a while I did so hoping for a chance to even up accounts but he gave me none and I told him I would wait the fall from my horse had fortunately left no evil results on the contrary it had changed my whole
Character for the better from a lazy young man about town I had become active energetic temperate and above all oh Above All Else ambitious there was only one thing which troubled me I laughed at my own uneasiness and yet it troubled me during my convalescence I had bought and
Read For the First Time The King in Yellow I remember after finishing the First Act that it occurred to me that I had better stop I started up and flung the book into the fireplace the volume struck the barred grate and fell open on
The Hearth in the Fire Light if if I had not caught a glimpse of the opening words in the second act I should never have finished it but as I stooped to pick it up my eyes became riveted to the open page and with a cry of Terror or
Perhaps it was of Joy so poignant that I suffered in every nerve I snatched the thing from The Hearth and crept shaking to my bedroom where I read it and reread it and wept and laughed and trembled with a horror which at times assails me yet this is the thing that troubles me
For I cannot forget carosa where black stars hang in the heavens where the shadows of men’s thoughts lengthen in the afternoon when the Twin Suns sink into the lake of Hal and my mind will bear forever the memory of the palid Mask I pray God will curse the writer as
The writer has cursed the world with this beautiful stupendous creation terrible in its Simplicity irresistible in its truth a World which now trembles before the King in Yellow when the French government seized the translated copies which had just arrived in Paris London of course became eager to read it
It is well known how the book spread like an infectious disease from City to City from continent to continent barred out here confiscated there denounced by press and Pulpit censured even by the most advanced of literary anarchists no definite principle had been violated in those Wicked Pages no Doctrine promulgated no convictions
Outraged it could not be judged by any known standard yet although it was acknowledged that the Supreme note of art had been struck in the King in Yellow all felt that human nature could not bear The Strain nor thrive on words in which the essence of purest poison
Lurked the very banality and innocence of the First Act only allowed the blow to fall afterwards with more awful effect it was I remember the 13th day of April 1920 that the first government lethal chamber was established on the south side of Washington Square between Worster Street and South Fifth Avenue
The block which had formerly consisted of a lot of shabby old buildings used as cafes and restaurants for foreigners had been acquired by the government in the winter of 1913 the French and Italian cafes and restaurants were torn down the whole block enclosed by a gilded iron railing
And converted into a lovely garden with the Lawns flowers and fountains in the center of the garden stood a small white building severely classical in architecture and surrounded by thickets of flowers six ionic columns supported the roof and the single door was of bronze a splendid marble group of the
Fates stood before the door the work of a young American sculptor Boris evaine who had died in Paris when only 23 years old the inauguration ceremonies were in progress as I crossed University Place and entered the square I threaded my way through the silent throng of Spectators
But was stopped at Fourth Street by a cordon of police a regiment of United States Lancers were drawn up in a hollow square around the lethal chamber on a raised Tribune facing Washington Park stood the governor of New York and behind him were grouped the mayor of Greater New York the Inspector General
Of police the commandant of State troops Colonel Livingston military aid to the president of the United States General Blount commanding at Governor’s Island Major General Hamilton commanding The Garrison of Greater New York admiral buby of the fleet in the North River Surgeon General lanceford the staff of the national free hospital Senators wise
And Franklin of New York and the commissioner of Public Works the Tribune was surrounded by a squadron of hassar of the National Guard the governor was finishing his rep to the short speech of the Surgeon General I heard him say the laws prohibiting suicide and providing punishment for any attempt at
Self-destruction have been repealed the government has seen fit to acknowledge the right of man to end an existence which may have become intolerable to him through physical suffering or mental despair It is believed that the community will be benefited by the removal of such people from their midst
Since the passage of this law the number of suicides in the United States has not increased now that the government has determined to establish a lethal chamber in every city town and Village in the country it remains to be seen whether or not that class of humans creatures from
Whose desponding ranks new victims of self-destruction fall daily will accept the relief thus provided he paused and turned to the white lethal chamber the silence in the street was absolute there a painless death awaits him who can no longer bear the Sorrows of this life if death is welcome let him
Seek it here then quickly turning to the military aid of the president’s household he said I declare the lethal chamber open and again facing the vast crowd he cried in a clear voice citizens of New York and of the United States of America through me the government
Declares the lethal chamber to be open the solemn hush was broken by a sharp Cry of command the Squadron of husar filed after the governor’s Carriage the Lancers wheeled and formed along Fifth Avenue to wait for the commandant of the Garrison and the Mounted Police followed
Them I left the crowd to gape and stare at the white marble death chamber and Crossing South Fifth Avenue walked along the western side of that thoroughfare to bleer Street then I turned to the right and stopped before a dingy shop which bore the sign halber armura I glanced in
At the doorway and saw horberg busy in his little shop at the end of the hall he looked up and catching sight of me cried in his deep hearty Voice come in Mr castain constant his daughter Rose to meet me as I crossed the threshold and
Held out her pretty hand but I saw the blush of disappointment on her cheeks and knew that it was another castain she had expected my cousin Louie I smiled at her confusion and complimented her on the banner which she was embroidering from a colored plate old horberg SAT
Riveting the worn Greaves of some ancient suit of armor and The Ting Ting of his little Hammer sounded pleasantly in the quaint shop presently he dropped his hammer and fussed about for a moment with a tiny wrench the soft clash of the male sent a thrill of pleasure through me I love to
Hear the music of Steel brushing against steel the Mellow shock of the Mallet on thigh pieces and the jingle of chain armor that was the only reason I went to see hobber he had never interested me personally nor did Constance except for the fact of her being in love with Lewis
This did occupy my attention and sometimes even kept me awake at night but I knew in my heart that all would come right and that I should arrange their future as I expected to arrange that of my kind Doctor John Archer however I should never have troubled myself about visiting them just
Then had it not been as I say that the music of the tinkling Hammer had for me this strong Fascination I would sit for hours listening and listening and when a stray Sunbeam struck the inlaid steel the sensation it gave me was almost too Keen to endure my eyes would become
Fixed dilating with a pleasure that stretched every nerve almost to Breaking until some movement of the old armorer cut off the ray of sunlight then still thrilling secretly I leaned back and listened again to the sound of the polishing rag swish swish rubbing rust from the rivets Constance worked with
The embroidery over her knees now and then pausing to examine more closely the pattern in the colored plate from the Metropolitan Museum who is this for I asked horber explained that in addition to the treasures of armor in the Metropolitan Museum of which he had been appointed armorer he also had charge of
Several collections belonging to Rich amateurs this was the missing grieve of a famous suit which a client of his had traced to a little shop in Paris on the key dors he horber had negotiated for and secured the grieve and now the suit was complete he laid down his hammer and
Read me the history of the suit traced since 1450 from owner to owner until it was acquired by Thomas stain bridge when his superb collection was sold this client of horber bought the suit and since then the search for the missing grieve has been pushed until it was
Almost by accident located in Paris did you continue the search so pacif instantly without any certainty of the grieve being still in existence I demanded of course he replied coolly then for the first time I took a personal interest in horberg it was worth something to you I ventured no he
Replied laughing my pleasure in finding it was my reward have you no ambition to be rich I asked smiling my one ambition is to be the best armorer in the world he answered Gravely constant asked me if I had seen the ceremonies at the lethal chamber she herself had noticed Cavalry passing up
Broadway that morning and had wished to see the inauguration but her father wanted the banner finished and she had stayed at his request did you see your cousin Mr castain there she asked with the slightest Tremor of her soft eyelashes no I replied carelessly Lewis’s regiment is maneuvering out in
Westchester County I wrote Rose and picked up my hat and Cane are you going upstairs to see the lunatic again laughed old horber if horber knew how I loathe that word lunatic he would never use it in my presence I Rouses certain feelings within me which I do not care
To explain however I answered him quietly I think I shall drop in and see Mr wild for a moment or two poor fellow said Constance with a shake of her head it must be hard to live alone year after a year poor crippled and almost demented
It is very good of you Mr castain to visit him as often as you do I think he is vicious observed horber beginning again with his hammer I listened to the golden tinkle on the grieve plates when he had finished I replied no he is not
Vicious nor is he in the least demented his mind is a Wonder Chamber from which he can extract Treasures that you and I would give years of our life lives to acquire horber laughed I continued a little impatiently he knows history as no one else could know it nothing however
Trivial escapes his search and his memory is so absolute so precise in details that were it known in New York that such a man existed the people could not honor him enough nonsense muttered hobber searching on the floor for a fallen rivet is it nonsense I asked
Managing to suppress what I felt is it nonsense when he says that the tassets and quis of the enameled suit of armor commonly known as the princes emblazened can be found among a mass of Rusty theatrical properties broken stoves and ragpickers refuge in a Garrett in pel
Street haber’s Hammer fell to the ground but he picked it up and asked with a great deal of calm how I knew that the tassets and left quisa were missing from the princes em Blazer I did not know until Mr wild mentioned it to me the other day he said they were
In the Garrett of 998 pel Street nonsense he cried but I noticed his hand trembling under his leather apron is this nonsense too I asked pleasantly is it nonsense when Mr wild continually speaks of you as the Marquee of Aventure and of Miss Constance I did not finish for Constance
Had started to her feet with Terror written on her every feature horber looked at me and slowly smoothed his leathern apron that is impossible he observed Mr wild may know a great many things about armor for instance and though her prince is emblazened I interposed smiling yes he continued
Slowly about armor also maybe but he is wrong in regard to the Marque of Aire who as you know killed his wife’s traducer years ago go and went to Australia where he did not long survive his wife Mr wild is wrong murmured constant her lips were blanched but her
Voice was sweet and calm let us agree if you please that in this one circumstance Mr wild is wrong I said two I climbed the three dilapidated flights of stairs which I had so often climbed before and knocked at a small door at the end of the corridor Mr wild
Opened the door and I walked in when he had double locked the door and pushed a heavy chest against it he came and sat down beside me peering up into my face with his little light colored eyes half a dozen new scratches covered his nose and cheeks and the silver wires which
Supported his artificial ears had become displaced I thought I had never seen him so hideously fascinating he had no ears the artificial ones which now stood out at an angle from the fine wire were his one weakness they were made of wax and painted a shell pink but the rest of his
Face was yellow he might better have reveled in the luxury of some artificial fingers for his left hand which was absolutely fingerless but it seemed to cause him no inconvenience and he was satisfied with his wax ears he was very small scarcely higher than a child of 10 but his arms were magnificently
Developed and his thighs as thick as any athlete still the most remarkable thing about Mr wild was that a man of his marvelous intelligence and knowledge should have such a head it was flat and pointed like the heads of many of those unfortunates whom people imprison in asylums for the weak-minded many called
Him insane but I knew him to be as sane as I was I do not deny that he was eccentric the Mania he had for keeping that cat and teasing her until she flew at his face like a demon was certainly eccentric I never could understand why
He kept the creature nor what pleasure he found in shutting himself up in his room with the sirly vicious Beast I remember once glancing up from the manuscript I was studying by the light of some Tallow dips and seeing Mr wild squatting motionless on his high chair his eyes fairly blazing with excitement
While the cat which had risen from her place before the stove came creeping across the floor right at him before I could move she flattened her belly to the ground crouched trembled and sprang onto his face howling and foaming they rolled over and over on the floor scratching and clawing until the cat
Screamed and fled under the cabinet and Mr wild turned over on his back his limbs Contracting and curling up like the legs of a Dying spider he was eccentric Mr wild had climbed into to his high chair and after studying my face picked up a dog eared Ledger and
Opened it Henry B Matthews he read bookkeeper with weot weo and Company dealers in church ornaments called April 3D reputation damaged on the racetrack known as a welchire reputation to be repaired by August 1st retainer $5 he turned the page and ran his fingerless Knuckles down the closely written columns p green dusenbury
Minister of the Gospel Fair Beach New Jersey reputation damaged in the bowry to be repaired as soon as possible retainer $1100 he coughed and added called April 6th then you were not in need of money Mr wild I inquired listen he coughed again Mrs C Hamilton Chester of Chester
Park New York City called April 7th reputation damaged at Deep France to be repaired by October 1st retainer $500 note C Hamilton Chester Captain USS Avalanche ordered home from south sea Squadron October 1st well I said the profession of a repairer of reputations is lucrative his colorless eyes sought mine I only wanted
To demonstrate that I was correct you said it was impossible to succeed as a repairer of reputations that even if I did succeed in certain cases it would cost me more than I would gain by it today I have 500 men in my employee who are poorly paid but who pursue the work
With an enthusiasm which possibly may be born of fear these men enter every shade and grade of society some even are pillars of the most exclusive social temples other are the prop and pride of the financial world still others hold Undisputed sway among the fancy and the talent
I choose them at my leisure from those who reply to my advertisements it is easy enough they are all cowards I could treble the number in 20 days if I wished so you see those who have been there keeping the reputations of their fellow citizens I have in my pay they may turn
On you I suggested he rubbed his thumb over his cropped ears and adjusted the wax substitutes I think not he murmured thoughtfully I seldom have to apply app the Whip and then only once besides they like their wages how do you apply the whip I demanded his face for a moment was awful
To look upon his eyes dwindled to a pair of green Sparks I invite them to come and have a little chat with me he said in a soft voice a knock at the door interrupted him and his face resumed its amiable expression who is it he inquired
Mr stet was the answer come tomorrow replied Mr wild impossible began the other but was silenced by sort of bark from Mr wild come tomorrow he repeated we heard somebody move away from the door and turn the corner by the stairway who is that I asked Arnold stet owner
And editor-in-chief of the great New York daily he drummed on The Ledger with his fingerless hand adding I pay him very badly but he thinks it is a good bargain Arnold selette I repeated amazed yes said Mr wild with a self-satisfied cough the cat which had entered the room
As he spoke hesitated looked up at him and snarled he climbed down from the chair and squatting on the floor took the creature into his arms and caressed her the cat ceased snarling and presently began a loud purring which seemed to increase in tamber as he
Stroked her where are the notes I asked he pointed to the table and for the h 100th time I picked up the bundle of manuscript entitled The Imperial Dynasty of America one by one I studied the well-worn pages worn only by my own handling and although I knew all by
Heart from the beginning when from kakosa the hyades hastur and alabaran to castain Lou de Calvados born December 19th 1887 I read it with an eager wrapped attention pausing to repeat parts of it aloud and dwelling especially on hildred De Calvados only son of hildred castain and editha Landis castain first in
Succession etc etc when I finished Mr wild nodded and coughed speaking of your legitimate ambition he said how do Constance and Louie get along she loves him I replied simply the cat on his knee suddenly turned and struck at his eyes and he flung her off and climbed onto the chair opposite me
And Dr Archer but that’s a matter you can settle anytime you wish he added yes I replied Dr Archer can wait but it is time I saw my cousin Louie it is time he repeated then he took another Ledger from the table and ran over the leaves
Rapidly we are now in communication with 10,000 men he muttered we can count on 100,000 within the first 28 hours and in 48 hours the state will rise on mass the country follows the state and the portion that will not I mean California and the Northwest might better never
Have been inhabited I shall not send them the yellow sign the blood rushed to my head but I only answered a new broom sweeps clean the ambition of Caesar and of Napoleon pales before that which could not rest until it had seized the minds of men and controlled even their
Unborn thoughts said Mr wild you’re speaking of the King in Yellow I groaned with a shudder he is a king whom Emperors have served I am content to serve him I replied Mr wild sat rubbing his ears with his crippled hand perhaps constant does not love him he suggested
I started to reply but a sudden burst of military music from the street below drowned my voice the 20th Dron regiment formerly in Garrison at Mount St Vincent was returning from the Maneuvers in Westchester County to its new barracks on East Washington Square it was my cousin’s regiment they were a fine lot
Of fellows in their pale blue tight fitting jackets jaunty busbies and with riding britches with the double yellow stripe into which their limbs seemed to have been molded every other Squadron was armed with lances from the metal points of which fluttered yellow and white penants the band passed playing
The regimental March then came the Kel and staff the horses crowding and trampling while their heads bobbed in unison the penin fluttered from their Lance points the Troopers who rode with the beautiful English seat looked Brown as berries from their bloodless campaign among the Farms of Westchester and the
Music of their Sabers against the stups and the jingle of Spurs and carbines was delightful to me I saw Louie riding with his Squadron he was as handsome an officer as I have ever seen Mr wild who had mounted a chair by the window saw him too but said nothing Louie turned
And looked straight at Hook’s shop as he passed and I could see the flush on his brown cheeks I think Constance must have been at the window when the last Troopers had clattered by and the last penin vanished into South Fifth Avenue Mr wild clambered out of his chair and
Dragged the chest away from the door yes he said it is time that you saw your cousin Louie he unlocked the door and I picked up my hat and stick and stepped into the corridor the stairs were dark groping about I set my foot on something soft
Which snarled and spit and I aimed a murderous blow at the cat but my cane shivered to splinters against the ballustrade and the Beast scurried back into m Wild’s room passing Hook’s door again I saw him still at work on the armor but I did not stop and stepping
Out into bleer Street I followed it to Worcester skirted the grounds of the lethal chamber and Crossing Washington Park went straight to my rooms in the Benedict here I lunched comfortably read The Herald and the meteor and finally went to the steel safe in my bedroom and
Set the time combination the 3 and 3/4 minutes which it is necessary NE AR to wait while the time lock is opening are to me golden moments from the instant I set the combination to the moment when I grasp the knobs and swing back the solid
Steel doors I live in an ecstasy of expectation those moments must be like moments past in Paradise I know what I am to find at the end of the time limit I know what the massive safe holds secure for me for me alone and the Exquisite pleasure of waiting is hardly
Enhanced when the safe opens and I lift from its velvet Crown a diadem of purest gold blazing with diamonds I do this every day and yet the joy of waiting and at last touching again the diadem only seems to increase as the days pass it is
A diadem fit for a king among Kings an emperor among Emperors the King in Yellow might scorn it but it shall be worn by his Royal servant I held it in my arms and till the alarm on the safe rang harshly and then tenderly proudly I replaced it and shut the steel
Doors I walked slowly back into my study which faces Washington Square and leaned on the window sill the afternoon sun poured into my windows and a gentle breeze stirred the branches of the Elms and Maples in the park not covered with Buds and tender foliage a flock of
Pigeons circled about the Tower of the Memorial Church sometimes a lighting on the purple tiled roof sometimes Wheeling downward to the lotos fountain in front of the Marble Arch the gardeners were busy with the flower beds around the fountain and the freshly turned Earth smelled sweet and
Spicy a lawn mower drawn by a fat white horse clinked across the greenswood and watering carts poured Showers of spray over the asphalt drives around the statue of Peter Styers which is 1906 had replaced the monstrosity supposed to represent garabaldi children played in the spring sunshine and nurse girls
Wield elaborate baby carriages with Reckless disregard for the psty face occupants which could probably be explained by the presence of half a dozen trim droon troopers languidly lulling on the benches through the trees the Washington Memorial Arch glistened like silver in the sunshine and Beyond on the Eastern extremity of the square
The Great Stone Barracks of the drons and the white granite artillery Stables were alive with color and motion I looked at the lethal chamber on the corner of the square opposite a few curious people still lingered about the Gilded iron railing but inside the grounds the paths were deserted I
Watched The Fountains Ripple and Sparkle The Sparrows had already found this new bathing Nook and the basins were crowded with the dusty feathered little things two or three white peacocks picked their way across the Lawns and a drab colored pigeon sat so motionless on the arm of
One of the Fates that it seemed to be a part of the sculptured Stone as I was turning carelessly away a slight commotion in the group of curious loiterers around the gates attracted my attention a young man had entered and was advancing with nervous strides along the gravel path which leads to the
Bronze doors of the lethal chamber he paused a moment before the Fates and as he raised his head to those three mysterious faces the pigeon Rose from its sculptured perch circled about for a moment and wheeled to the east the young man pressed his hands to his face and
Then with an undefinable gesture sprang up the marble steps the bronze doors closed behind him and half an hour later the loiterers slouched away and the frightened pigeon returned to its perch in the arms of Fate I put on my hat and went out into the park for a little walk
Before dinner as I crossed the central driveway a group of officers passed and one of them called out hello hildred and came back to shake hands with me it was my cousin Lewis who stood smiling and tapping his spurred heels with his riding whip just back from Westchester
He said been doing the bucolic milk and Kurds you know dairymaids in sunbonnets who say Hey ow and I don’t think when you tell them they are pretty I’m nearly dead for a Square meal at Del Monaco’s what’s the news there is none I replied pleasantly I saw your regiment coming in
This morning did you I didn’t see you where were you in Mr Wild’s window oh hell he began impatiently that man is Stark mad I don’t understand why you he saw how annoyed I felt by this outburst and begged my pardon really old chap he
Said I don’t mean to run down a man you like but for the life of me I can’t see what the juice you find in common with Mr wild he’s not well bred to put it generously he’s hideously deformed his head is the head of a criminally insane
Person you know yourself he’s been in an asylum so have I I interrupted calmly Lewis looked startled and Confused for a moment but recovered and slapped me heartly on the shoulder you were completely cured he began but I stopped him again I suppose you mean that I was simply
Acknowledged never to have been insane of course that that’s what I meant he laughed I disliked his laugh because I knew it was forced but I nodded gay and asked him where he was going Louie looked after his brother officers who had now almost reached Broadway we had intended to sample a
Brunswick cocktail but to tell you the truth I was anxious for an excuse to go and see horber instead come along I’ll make make you my excuse we found horber neatly attired in a fresh spring suit standing at the door of his shop and sniffing the air I just
Decided to take Constance for a little stroll before dinner he replied to the impetuous volley of questions from Louie We though of walking on the Park Terrace along the North River at that moment Constance appeared and grew pale and Rosy by turns as Louie bent over her
Small gloved fingers I tried to excuse myself alleging an engagement up town but Louie and constant would not listen and I saw I was expected to remain and engage old haber’s attention after all it would be just as well if I kept my eye on Louie I thought and when they
Hailed a Spring Street electric car I got in after them and took my seat beside the armorer the beautiful line of parks and granite Terraces overlooking the Wares along the north river which were built in 1910 and finished in the Autumn of 1917 had become one of the most popular
Promenades in the Metropolis they extended from the battery to 190th Street overlooking the noble River and affording a fine view of the Jersey Shore and the highlands opposite cafes and restaurants were scattered here and there among the trees and twice a week military bands from The Garrison played
In the kiosks on the parapets we sat down in the sunshine on the bench at the foot of the equestrian status of General Sheridan Constance tipped her sun shade to Shield her eyes and she and Louie began a murmuring conversation which was impossible to catch old horberg leaning
On his Ivory headed cane lighted an excellent cigar the mate to which I politely refused and smiled at vacancy the sun hung low above the state and Island woods and the bay was dyed with golden Hues reflected from the sun wararmed sails of the shipping in the harbor Briggs Schooners Yachts clumsy ferry
Boats their decks swarming with people railroad transports carrying lines of brown blue and white Freight cars stately sound Steamers declass Steamers coasters dredgers scows and everywhere pervading the entire Bay impudent little tugs puffing and whistling officiously these were the craft which churned the sunlit waters as
Far as the eye could reach in calm contrast to the hurry of sailing vessel and steamer a silent Fleet of white warships lay Motionless In Midstream constant’s merry laugh aroused me from my revery what are you staring at she inquired nothing the fleet I smiled then Louie told us what the vessels were
Pointing out each by its relative position to the old red fort on Governor’s Island that little cigar-shaped thing is a torpedo boat he explained there are four more lying close together they are the tarpon the Falcon the Sea Fox and the octopus the gunboats just above are the Princeton the Champlin the
Still waterer and the Eerie next to them lie the Cruisers faragut and Los Angeles and above them the battleships California and Dakota and the Washington which is the flagship those two squatty looking chunks of metal which are anchored there off Castle William are the double tur Ed monitors terrible and
Magnificent behind them lies the ram Oola constant looked at him with deep approval in her beautiful eyes what loads of things you know for a soldier she said and we all joined in the laugh which followed presently Louie rose with a nod to us and offered his arm to
Constant and they strolled away Along the river wall hobber watched them for a moment and then turned to me Mr wild was right he said I have found the missing tassets and left quar of the princes emblazened in a vile old junk Garrett in pel Street 998 I inquired with a smile
Yes Mr wild is a very intelligent man I observed I want to give him the credit of this most important Discovery continued horberg and I intend it shall be known that he is entitled to the fame of it he won’t thank you for that I answered sharply please say nothing
About it do you know what it is worth said horberg no $50 Perhaps it is valued at 500 but the owner of the princes emblazened will give $2,000 to the person who completes his suit that reward also belongs to Mr wild he doesn’t want it he refuses it I
Answered angrily what do you know about Mr wild he doesn’t need the money he is Rich or will will be richer than any living man except myself what will we care for money then what will we care he and I when when when what demanded horber
Astonished you will see I replied on my guard again he looked at me narrowly much as Dr Archer used to and I knew he thought I was mentally unsound perhaps it was fortunate for him that he did not use the word lunatic just then no I
Replied to his unspoken thought I am not mentally weak my mind is as healthy as Mr Wilds I do not care to explain just yet what I have on hand but weird is an investment which will pay more than mere Gold Silver and precious stones it will
Secure the happiness and prosperity of a continent yes a hemisphere oh said huk and eventually I continued more quietly it will secure the happiness of the whole world and incidentally your own happiness and prosperity as well as Mr Wild’s exactly I smiled but I could have throttled him for taking that tone he
Looked at me in silence for a while and then said very gently why don’t you give up your books and studies Mr castain and take a among the mountains somewhere or other you used to be fond of fishing take a cast or two at the
Trout in the range late I don’t care for fishing anymore I answered without a shade of annoyance in my voice you used to be fond of everything he continued Athletics yachting shooting riding I have never cared to ride since my fall I said quietly ah yes your fo he repeated
Looking away from me I thought this nonsense had gone far enough so I turned the conversation back to Mr wild but he was scanning my face again in a manner highly offensive to me Mr wild he repeated do you know what he did this afternoon he came downstairs and nailed
A sign over the hall door next to mine it read Mr wild repairer of reputations third Bell do you know what a repairer of reputations can be I do I replied suppressing rage within oh he said again Louie and Constance came strolling by and stopped to ask if we
Would join them hbook looked at his watch at the same moment a puff of smoke shot from the casemates of Castle William and the boom of the sunset gun rolled across the water and was re-echoed from the highlands opposite the flag came running down from the flag
Pole and bugle sounded on the white decks of the warships and the first electric lights sparkled out from the Jersey Shore as I turned into the city with horberg I heard Constance murmur something to Lewis which I did not understand but Louie whispered my darling in reply and again walking ahead
With horberg through the square I heard a murmur of sweetheart and my own constant and I knew the time had nearly arrived when I should speak of important matters with my cousin Louie three one morning early in May I stood before the steel safe in my bedroom
Trying on the golden jeweled Crown the diamonds flashed fire as I turned to the mirror and the heavy beaten gold burned like a Halo about my head I remembered Camila’s agonized scream and the awful words echoing through the dim streets of carcosa they were the last lines of the
First Act and I dared not think of what followed dared not even in the spring Sunshine there in my own room surrounded with familiar objects reassured by the bustle from the street and the voices of the servants in the hallway outside for those those poisoned words had dropped
Slowly into my heart as death sweat drops upon a bed sheet and is absorbed trembling I put the diadem from my head and wiped my forehead but I thought of hter and of my own rightful ambition and I remembered Mr wild as I had last left
Him his face all torn and bloody from the claws of that Devil’s creature and what he said ah what he said the alarm Bell in the safe began to were harshly and I knew my time was up but I wouldn’t heed it and replacing the flashing ciret
Upon my head I turned defiantly to the mirror I stood for a long time absorbed in the changing expression of my own eyes the mirror reflected a face which was like my own but whiter and so thin that I hardly recognized it and all the time I kept repeating between my
Clinched teeth the day has come the day has come while the alarm in the safe worred and clamored and the Diamonds sparkled and flamed above my brow I heard a door open but did not heed it it was only when I saw two faces in the mirror it was only when another Face
Rose over my shoulder and two other eyes met mine I wheeled like a Flash and seized a long knife from my dressing table and my cousin sprang back very pale crying hildred for God’s sake then as my hand fell he said it is I Louie
Don’t you know me I stood silent I could not have spoken from my life he walked up to me and took the knife from my hand what is all this he inquired in a gentle voice are you ill no I replied but I doubt if he heard me come come old
Fellow he cried take off that brass crown and toddle into the study are you going to a masquerade what’s all this theatrical tins anyway I was glad he thought the crown was made of brass and paste yet I didn’t like him any the better for thinking so
I let him take it from my hand knowing it was best to humor him he tossed The Splendid diadem in the air and catching it turned to me smiling it’s deer at 50 cents he said what’s it for I did not answer but took the circlet from his
Hands and placing it in the safe shut the massive door the alarm ceased its infernal din at once he watched me curiously but did not seem to notice the sudden ceasing of the alarm he did however speak of the safe as a biscuit box fearing lest he might examine the
Combination I led the way into my study Louie threw himself on the sofa and flicked at flies with his eternal riding whip he wore his fatigue uniform with a braided jacket and jaunty cap and I noticed that his riding boots were all splashed with red mud where have you
Been I inquired jumping mud creeks in Jersey he said I haven’t had time to change yet I was rather in a hurry to see you haven’t you got a glass of something I’m dead tired been in the saddle 24 hours I gave him some Brandy from my
Medicinal store which he drank with a Grimace damn bad stuff he observed I’ll give you an address where they sell Brandy that is Brandy it’s good enough from my needs I said indifferently I use it to rub my chest with he stared and flicked at another fly see here old
Fellow he began I’ve got something to suggest to you it’s 4 years now that you’ve shut yourself up here like an owl never going anywhere never taking any healthy exercise never doing a damn thing but pouring over those books up there on the mantlepiece he glanced along the row of shelves Napoleon
Napoleon Napoleon he read For Heaven’s Sake have you nothing but Napoleon there I wish they were Bound in Gold I said but wait yes there is another book The King in Yellow I looked him steadily in the eye have you never read it I
Asked I no thank God I don’t want to be driven crazy I saw he regretted his speech as soon as he had uttered it there is only one word which I loathe more than I do lunatic and that word is crazy but I controlled myself self and
Asked him why he thought the King in Yellow dangerous oh I don’t know he said hastily I only remember the excitement it created and the denunciations from pulpit and press I believe the author shot himself after bringing forth this monstrosity didn’t he I understand he’s still alive I answered that’s probably
True he muttered bullets couldn’t kill a fiend like that it is a book of great truths I said yes he replied of truths which send men frantic and blast their lives I don’t care if the thing is as they say the very Supreme essence of art
It’s a crime to have written it and I for one shall never open its pages is that what you have come to tell me I asked no he said I came to tell you that I’m going to be married I believe for a moment my heart ceased to beat but
I kept my eyes on his face yes he continued smiling happily married to the sweetest girl on earth constant horber I said mechanically how did you know he cried astonished I didn’t know it myself until that evening last April when we strolled down to the embankment before
Dinner when is it to be I asked it was to have been next September but an hour ago a dispatch came ordering our regiment to the Presidio San Francisco we leave at noon tomorrow tomorrow he repeated just think hildred tomorrow I shall be the happiest fellow that ever
Drew breath in this Jolly world for Constance will go with me I offered my hand in congratulation and he seized and shook it like the good-natured fool he was or pretended to be I going to get my Squadron as a wedding present he rattled on Captain and Mrs Lou castain eh
Hildred then he told me where it was to be and who were to be there and made me promise to come and be best man I set my teeth and listened to his boyish chatter without showing what I felt but I was getting to the limit of my endurance and
When he jumped up and switching his Spurs till they jingled said he must go I did not detain him there’s only one thing I want to ask of you I said quietly out with it it’s a promise he laughed I want you to meet me for a
Quarter of an hour’s talk tonight of course if you wish he said somewhat puzzled where anywhere in the park there what time hildred midnight what in the name of he began but checked himself and laughingly ascented I watched him go down the stairs and hurry away his saber banging
At every stride he turned into bleer Street and I knew he was going to see Constance I gave him 10 minutes to disappear and Then followed in his footsteps taking with me the jeweled crown and the silken robe embroidered with the yellow sign when I turned into bleer Street and entered the doorway
Which bore the sign Mr wild repairer of reputations third Bell I saw old horber moving about in his shop and imagined I heard constant’s voice in The Parlor but I avoided them both and hurried up the trembling stairways to Mr Wild’s apartment I knocked and entered without
Ceremony Mr wild lay groaning on the floor his face covered with blood his clothes torn to shreds drops of blood were scattered about over the carpet which had also been ripped and frayed in the evidently recent struggle it’s that cursed cat he said ceasing his groans
And turning his colorless eyes to me she attacked me while I was asleep I believe she will kill me yet this was too much so I went into the kitchen and seizing a hatchet from the pantry started to find the infernal beast and settle her then and there my
Search was fruitless and after a while I gave it up and came back to find Mr wild squatting on his high chair by the table he had washed his face and changed his clothes the great furrows which the cat’s claws had plowed up in his face he
Had filled with codeon and a rag hid the wound in his throat I told him I should kill the cat when I came across her but he only shook his head and turned to the open Ledger before him he read name after name of the people who had come to
Him in regard to their reputation and the sums he had amassed were startling I put on the screws now and then he explained one day or other some of these people will assassinate you I insisted do you think so he said rubbing his mutilated ears it was useless to
Argue with him so I took down the manuscript entitled Imperial Dynasty of America for the last time I should ever take it down in Mr Wild’s study I read it through thrilling and trembling with pleasure when I had finished Mr wild took the manuscript and turning to the
Dark passage which leads from his study to his bed chamber called out in a loud voice Vance then for the first time I noticed a man crouching there in the shadow how I had overlooked him during my search for the cat I cannot imagine Vance come
In cried Mr Wild the figure Rose and crept towards us and I shall never forget the face that he raised to mine as the light from the window illuminated it Vance this is Mr castain said Mr wild before he had finished speaking the man threw himself on the ground before the
Table crying and gasping oh God oh my God help me forgive me oh Mr castain keep that man away you cannot you cannot mean it you are different save me I am broken down I was in a mad house and now when all was coming right when I had
Forgotten The King The King in Yellow and but I shall go mad again I shall go mad his voice died into a choking rattle for Mr wild had leaped on him and his right hand encircled the man’s throat when Vance fell in a heap on the floor
Mr wild clambered nimbly into his chair again and rubbing his mangled ears with the St of his hand turned to me and asked me for The Ledger I reached it down from the shelf and he opened it after a moment’s searching among the beautifully written Pages he coughed
Complacently and pointed to the name Vance Vance he read aloud OSG good Oswald Vance at the sound of his name the man on the floor raised his head and turned a convulsed face to Mr wild his eyes were injected with blood his lips tumori called April 28th continued Mr wild
Occupation cashier in the se4th National Bank has served a term for forgery at Sing Sing whence he was transferred to the Asylum for the criminal insane pardoned by the governor of New York and discharged from the Asylum January 19th 1918 reputation damaged at sheeps head Bay rumors that he lives beyond his
Income reputation to be repaired at once retainer $1,500 note has embezzled sums amounting to $30,000 since March 20th 1919 excellent family and secured present position through uncle’s influence father president of c4th bank I looked at the man on the floor get up Van said Mr wild in a gentle voice Vance
Rose as if hypnotized he will do as we suggest now observed Mr wild and opening the manuscript he read the entire history of the Imperial dnasty of America then in a kind and soothing murmur he ran over the important points with Vance who stood like one stunned
His eyes were so blank and vacant that I imagined he had become half-witted and remarked it to Mr wild who replied that it was of no consequence anyway very patiently we pointed out to Vance what his share in the affair would be and he seemed to understand after a while Mr
Wild explained the manuscript using several volumes on heraldry to substantiate the result of his researches he mentioned the establishment of the Dynasty in carcosa The Lakes which connected hastur alabaran and the Mystery of the hi ades he spoke of cassilda and Camila and sounded the Cloudy depths of Dema and
The lake of Hol the scalloped tatters of the king King in Yellow must hide ye Hill forever he muttered but I do not believe Vance heard him then by degrees he led Vance along the ramifications of the Imperial family to OT and th from now talba and Phantom Of Truth to alones
And then tossing aside his manuscript and notes he began the wonderful story of the last king fascinated and thrilled I watched him he threw up his head his long arms were stretched out in a magn ient gesture of Pride and power and his eyes blazed deep in their sockets like two
Emeralds Vance listened stupified as for me when at last Mr wild had finished and pointing to me cried the cousin of the king my head swam with excitement controlling myself with a superhuman effort I explained to Vance why I alone was worthy of the crown and why my
Cousin must be exiled or die I made him understand that my cousin must never marry even after renouncing all his claims and how that least of all he should marry the daughter of the Marquis of Aventure and bring England into the question I showed him a list of
Thousands of names which Mr wild had drawn up every man whose name was there had received the yellow sign which no living human being dared disregard the city the state the whole land were ready to rise and tremble before the palid mask the time had come the people should know
The son of husta and the whole world bow to the black stars which hang in the sky over carcosa Vance leaned on the table his head buried in his hands Mr wild drew a rough sketch on the margin of yesterday’s Herald with a bit of lead
Pencil it was a plan of haber’s rooms then he wrote out the order and affixed the seal and shaking like a paed man I signed my first RIT of execution with my name hildred Rex Mr wild clambered to the floor and unlocking the cabinet took a long square box from the first shelf
This he brought to the table and opened a new knife lay in the tissue paper inside and I picked it up and handed it to Vance along with the order and the plan of haber’s apartment then Mr wild told Vance he could go and he went shambling like an outcast of the
Slums I sat for a while watching the daylight fade behind the square Tower of the Judson Memorial Church and finally Gathering up the manuscript and notes took my hat and started for the door Mr wild watched me in silence when I had stepped into the hall I looked back Mr
Wild’s small eyes were still fixed on me behind him the Shadows gathered in the fading light then I closed the door behind me and went out into the darkening streets I had eaten nothing since breakfast but I was not hungry a wretched half starved creature who stood
Looking across the street at the lethal chamber noticed me and came up to tell me a tale of misery I gave him money I don’t know why and he went away without thanking me an hour later another Outcast approached and whined his story I had a blank bit of paper in my pocket
On which was traced the yellow sign and I handed it to him he looked at it stupid for a moment and then with an uncertain glance at me folded it with what seemed to me exaggerated care and placed it in his bosom the electric lights were sparkling among the trees
And the new moon Shone in the sky above the lethal chamber it was tiresome waiting in the Square I wandered from The Marble Arch to the artillery stables and back again to the lotos Fountain the flowers and grass exhaled a fragrance which troubled me the jet of the fountain drops reminded
Me of the tinkle of chain mail in hallberg’s shop but it was not so fascinating and the dull Sparkle of The Moonlight on the water brought no such sensations of Exquisite pleasure as when the sunshine played over the polished steel of a corselet on haber’s knee I watched the bats darting and turning
Above the water plants in the fountain Basin but their rapid jerky flight set my nerves on edge and I went away again to walk aimlessly to and fro among the trees the artillery Stables were dark but in the Cavalry Barracks the officers windows were brilliantly lighted and the
Sally port was constantly filled with Troopers in fatigues carrying straw and harness and baskets filled with tin dishes twice the mounted Sentry at the gates was changed while I wandered up and down the asphalt walk I looked at my watch it was nearly time the lights in
The barracks went out one by one the barred gate was closed and every minute or two an officer passed in through the side Wicket leaving a rattle of a coutal and a jingle of Spurs on the night air the square had become very silent the last homeless loiterer had been driven
Away by the gray coated Park policeman the car tracks along Worcester Street were deserted and the only sound which broke the Stillness was the stamping of the Cent’s horse and the Ring of his saber against the sadle pommel in the barracks the officers quarters were still lighted and Military servants
Passed and rep passed before the bay windows 12:00 sounded from the new Spire of St Francis Xavier and at the last stroke of the sad toned Bell a figure passed through the port CIS returned the salute of the Sentry and crossing the street entered the square and advanced towards the Benedict apartment house
Leis I called the man pivoted on his spur bird heels and came straight towards me is that you hildred yes you are on time I took his offered hand and we strolled towards the lethal chamber he rattled on about his wedding and The Graces of constance and their future
Prospects calling my attention to his Captain’s shoulder straps and the triple gold Arabesque on his sleeve and fatigue cap I believe I listened as much to the music of his Spurs and saber as I did to his boyish babble and at last we stood under the Elms on the fourth street
Corner of the square opposite the lethal chamber then he laughed and asked me what I wanted with him I motioned him to a seat on a bench under the electric light and sat down beside him he looked at me curiously with that same searching glance which I hate and fear so in
Doctors I felt the insult of his look but he did not know it and I carefully concealed my feelings well old chap he inquired what can I do for you I drew from my pocket the manuscript and notes of the Imperial Dynasty of America and looking him in
The eye said I will tell you on your word as a soldier promise me to read this manuscript from beginning to end without asking me a question promise me to read these notes in the same way and promise to me to listen to what I have
To tell later I promise if you wish it he said pleasantly give me the paper hildred he he began to read raising his eyebrows with a puzzled Whimsical air which made me tremble with suppressed anger as he Advanced his eyebrows contracted and his lips seemed to form the word
Rubbish then he looked slightly bored but apparently for my sake read with an attempt at interest which presently ceased to be an effort he started when in the closely written Pages he came to his own name and when he came to mine he lowered the paper and looked sharply at
Me for a moment but he kept his word and resumed his reading and I let the half-formed question die on his lips unanswered when he came to the end and read the signature of Mr wild he folded the paper carefully and returned it to me I handed him the notes and he settled
Back pushing his fatigue cap up to his forehead with a boyish gesture which I remembered so well in school I watched his face as he read and when he finished I took the notes with the manuscript and placed them in my pocket then I unfolded a scroll marked with the yellow sign he
Saw the sign but he did not seem to recognize it and I called his attention to it somewhat sharply well he said I see it what is it it is the yellow sign I said angrily oh that’s it is it said Lewis in that flattering voice which Dr
Archer used to imp employ with me and would probably have employed again had I not settled his affair for him I kept my rage down and answered a steadily as possible listen you have engaged your word I’m listening old chap he replied soothingly I began to speak very calmly
Dr Archer having by some means become possessed of the secret of the Imperial succession attempted to deprive me of my right alleging that because of a fall from my horse four years ago I had become mentally deficient he presumed to place me under restraint in his own
House in hopes of either driving me insane or poisoning me I have not forgotten it I visited him last night and the interview was Final Louie turned quite pale but did not move I resumed triumphantly there are yet three people to be interviewed in the interests of Mr
Wild and myself they are my cousin Louie Mr horber and his daughter constant Louie sprang to his feet and I arose also and flung The Paper marked with the yellow sign to the ground oh I don’t need that to tell you what I have to say
I cried with a laugh of Triumph you must renounce the crown to me do you hear to me Louie looked at me with a startled air but recovering himself said kindly of course I renounce the what is it I must renounce the crown I said angrily
Of course he answered I renounce it come old chap I’ll walk back to your rooms with you don’t try your doctor’s tricks on me I cried trembling with Fury don’t act as if you think I am insane what nonsense he replied come it’s getting late hildred no I shouted
You must listen you cannot marry I forbid it do you hear I forbid it you shall renounce the crown and in reward I grant you Exile but if you refuse you shall die he tried to calm me but I was roused at last and drawing my long knife
Barred his way then I told him how they would find Dr archer in the cellar with his throat open and I laughed in his face when I thought of Vance and his knife and the order signed by me ah you are the king I cried but I shall be king
Who are you to keep me from Empire over all the habitable Earth I was born the cousin of a king but I shall be king Lou stood white and rigid before me suddenly a man came running up Fourth Street entered the Gate of the lethal Temple traversed the path to the bronze doors
At full speed and plunged into the death chamber with the Cry of one demented and I laughed until I wept tears for I had recognized Vance and knew that horber and his daughter were no longer in my way go I cried to Lewis you have cease
To be a menace you will never marry constant now and if you marry anyone else in your Exile I will visit you as I did my doctor last night Mr wild takes charge of you tomorrow then I turned and darted into South Fifth Avenue and with a cry of
Terror Lewis dropped his belt and saber and followed me like the wind I heard him close behind me at the corner of bleer Street and I dashed into the doorway under hallberg’s sign he cried hold or I fire but when he saw that I flew up the stairs leaving hallberg’s
Shop below he left me and I heard him hammering and shouting at their door as though it were possible to arouse the dead Mr Wild’s door was open and I entered crying it is done it is done let the nations rise and look upon their
King but I could not find Mr wild so I went to the cabinet and took the splendid diadem from its case then I drew on the White silk robe embroidered with the yellow sign and placed the crown upon my head at last I was King King in my right in hastur King because
I knew the mystery of the hi ades and my mind had sounded the depths of the lake of Hali I was King the first gray penciling of Dawn would raise a tempest which would Shake two hemispheres then as I stood my every nerve pitched to the highest tension
Faint with the joy and Splendor of my thought without in the dark passage a man groaned I seized the Tallow dip and sprang to the door the cat passed me like a demon and the Tallow dip went out but my long knife flew swifter than she
And I heard her Screech and I knew that my knife had found her for a moment I listened to her tumbling and thumping about in the darkness and then when her frenzy ceased I lighted a lamp and raised it over my head Mr wild lay on
The floor with his throat torn open at first I thought he was dead but as I looked a green Sparkle came into his sunken eyes his mutilated hand trembled and then a spasm stretched his mouth from ear to ear for a moment my Terror and despair gave place to hope but as I
Bent over him his eyeballs rolled clean around in his head and he died then while I stood transfixed with rage and despair seeing my crown my Empire every hope and every ambition my very life lying prostrate there with the Dead Master they came seized me from behind
And bound me until my veins stood out like cords and my voice failed with the paroxysms of my frenzied screams but still I raged bleeding and infuriated among them and more than one policeman felt my sharp teeth then when I could no longer move they came came nearer I saw
Old horberg and behind him my cousin Lewis’s ghastly face and farther away in the corner a woman constant weeping Softly ah I see it now I shrieked you have seized the throne and the Empire woe woe to you who are crowned with the crown of the King in
Yellow editor’s note Mr castain died yesterday in the Asylum for the criminally insane the end and there we have it dear listeners our journey through the Eerie and mindbending Landscape of the repairer of reputations in this tale Robert W Chambers masterfully blurs the lines between reality and Madness inviting us
To question the very fabric of our perceptions As We Leave Behind the world shaped by the King in Yellow let us Ponder the Shadows that lurk within our own minds and the fine line that separates ambition from Madness thank you for joining me in unraveling the mysteries of this classic piece of weird
Fiction until our next foray into the unknown good night