‘The Purple Heart of Erlik’ is a fast-paced short story that I enjoyed from start to finish. This is one of few tales where Howard has used a female for his main character.

Blonde beauty Arline is being blackmailed by Tremayne, who assures her that he can have her convicted for a crime she didn’t commit, unless she uses her feminine wiles to steal a jewel from a sinister Chinaman. Where many men have failed to secure this jewel, Arline is expected to succeed. She’ll be in great danger if she doesn’t.

Add Wild Bill Clanton – a sailor obsessed with the beautiful yet indifferent Arline – to the mix and here we have a great little story. ( )