"The Sea Wizard" by Kenneth Robeson, a Doc Savage serial. Chapter 1, "The Phantom Murderer," begins when newspaper reports of King John's ghost—dressed in medieval armor and wielding a two-edged sword—murdering farmers in The Swamp reach London. The phantom claims to seek his poisoner from seven centuries past, killing indiscriminately. Johnny (William Harper Littlejohn), Doc Savage's archaeological assistant, reads the account while awaiting Doc's arrival and decides to investigate before Doc lands. Flying to Swineshead, Johnny gathers eyewitness accounts from locals, then ventures alone into the marshlands at night. He encounters the phantom—a bearded figure in chainmail and medieval garb, genuinely armed with a large sword bearing dried bloodstains. The being insists Johnny is his ancient poisoner. When Johnny attempts to lure him toward town, the phantom attacks with his sword. Johnny dodges and grapples for the weapon, the chapter ending mid-struggle.
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About this artifact
- Date
- 1934
- Rights
- Public domain — free to view, share, and reuse.
- Restoration
- Digitally restored and hosted by ComicBooks.com.
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