Savage was a hard man, a big, strong, clean-shaven Englishman, Yorkshire born, and ungiven to promiscuous friendships. He had pushed his way in the world. He had come here to trade on his own, and felt quite capable of standing on his own feet. Still, in a place like Maneta there are numerous little things that an inhabitant can do for a stranger. Little things that make for comfort in a place where comfort is made up of little things.

Stacpoole, author of the classic novel The Blue Lagoon, weaves his special magic throughout all of his stories. "The Slayer" originally appeared in 1918.