The Metal Monster

Abraham Merritt, an American author, wrote a fantasy book titled The Metal Monster. It was first published as a serial in 1920's Argosy All-Story Weekly and contains Dr. Goodwin's comeback after first appearing in The Moon Pool. In the foreword of the epic adventure, Merritt is given the task of telling the world about Dr. Walter T. Goodwin's extraordinary story of his encounter in the Trans-Himalayan mountains, in order to warn everyone about the terrible fate Goodwin's group narrowly avoided and the possibility that there are other monsters like these out there. Dr. Goodwin is in the Himalayas on a botanical expedition. He runs across Dick Drake, the son of a former science buddy, there. They have seen what appears to be a bizarre, purposeful aurora-like effect. They encounter Martin and Ruth Ventnor, a brother and sister team of scientists, as they venture outside to conduct their investigation. As Darius III commanded the Persians during Alexander of Macedon's more than two thousand-year conquest, the two are under siege today. Norhala is gradually converting Ruth to take on her little sister's traits. Her brother Martin attempts to shoot the Metal Emperor, who retaliates with a ray blast, rendering Martin unconscious.