Weird Tales, Vol. 5, No. 2

This issue of Weird Tales contains the beginning of a supernatural mystery story titled "Whispering Tunnels," set in post-WWI France. Miles Cresson, a New Orleans American, seeks scientist Dr. Arthur Littlejohn's help unraveling the disappearance of his former artillery schoolmate Jules Chaumon, who vanished during the 1917 German assault on Fort Vaux near Verdun. When Cresson visits the fort, he experiences a terrifying nocturnal encounter: Chaumon appears as a pale, phosphorescent apparition in his guest chamber, gesturing toward a hollow in the wall before sinking through the floor. Cresson then confronts a grotesque creature with a human face, fangs, and tentacles. Upon waking, he discovers a hidden vault and a photograph. Major Fallaise later reveals disturbing secrets about the garrison, hinting at a pledge among officers to conceal something sinister. The OCR becomes severely degraded near the story's conclusion, but the narrative establishes an atmosphere of supernatural horror linked to the war's aftermath.