Who Goes There!

"Who Goes There!" by Robert W. Chambers is a novel written in the early 20th century. The narrative begins amidst the backdrop of World War I, capturing the tense and chaotic atmosphere of the wartime setting through the experiences of its main character, Kervyn Guild, who finds himself entangled in a web of espionage and cross-national intrigue. As a young American caught in Belgium during the conflict, Guild faces perilous circumstances that compel him to navigate treacherous political waters while ultimately searching for a young woman named Karen Girard. At the start of the story, the reader is introduced to the aftermath of a shocking execution carried out by a German firing squad, setting a grim tone for the unfolding drama. Guild, who has been detained as a hostage, manages to narrowly escape execution but is soon tasked by General von Reiter to find his daughter, Karen, and bring her to safety amid threats of further violence. The opening chapters detail Guild's internal struggles as he reconciles his American identity with his obligation to the German officer, all while facing the haunting remnants of war and the uncertain fate of fellow hostages. The tension escalates as Guild confronts both external threats and moral dilemmas, establishing a gripping narrative that poses critical questions about loyalty, duty, and survival in wartime.

Who Goes There!, by Robert W. Chambers. Republished by OpenStories from Project Gutenberg eBook #40696.