Demon Of The Night by The Hall Of Fantasy

Summary

Podcast Summary: The Horror! (Old Time Radio) – Episode: Demon Of The Night by The Hall Of Fantasy

Introduction

In this spine-chilling episode of The Horror!, hosted by RelicRadio.com, listeners are transported back to the golden age of radio with the classic supernatural tale, "Demon of the Night," originally from The Hall of Fantasy series. Released on October 12, 2024, this episode masterfully weaves a story of mystery, terror, and the unexplained, inviting both long-time fans and newcomers to delve into the dark corners of an eerie small town.

Episode Overview

"Demon of the Night," written by Richard Thorne, unfolds in a quiet town plagued by mysterious killings believed to be the work of a wolf. The narrative thickens with the arrival of Raphael Sebastian, a peculiar newcomer who purchases the old Claymore mansion under suspicious circumstances. As night falls, fear and suspicion grip the community, leading to a tense confrontation between the local sheriff, Craig, and the town's editor, Ken Parker.

Setting the Scene: Arrival of Raphael Sebastian

The story begins with the introduction of Raphael Sebastian, whose arrival on the midnight train coincides with a series of gruesome murders. As Sheriff Craig and Ken Parker discuss Sebastian’s peculiar behavior and appearance, unease settles over the town:

Ken Parker (01:40): "You mean the man who bought the old Claymore place? That."

Sheriff Craig (02:00): "I was kind of anxious to see how he looks."

Their conversation reveals Sebastian’s odd hands, “covered with hair” like an animal, which immediately raises red flags for both men:

Narrator (04:20): "There was something strange about his eyes. But the thing which had sent an unaccountable tremor of fear through me was his hands. They were small hands, graceful and well-formed. They were covered with a thick coating of hair."

Mysterious Killings and Rising Tension

Shortly after Sebastian's arrival, a scream pierces the night, leading Sheriff Craig and Ken Parker to investigate the tragic death of Widow Brady. The community is on edge, fearing a wolf is the vicious predator responsible:

Sheriff Craig (07:15): "That wolf again. You think that Wolf killed Mrs. Brady? That's what it looks like, doesn't it?"

As they patrol the town, the rain washes away any potential tracks, deepening the mystery and frustration of the authorities.

Suspicion Falls on Sebastian

Ken Parker’s role as the town's newspaper editor brings him closer to the unfolding events. His suspicions about Sebastian grow as he notices discrepancies in Sebastian’s behavior and physical traits:

Narrator (09:45): "We driven for about five minutes before I realized that something was different about Sebastian. I think Sheriff Craig realized it at the same time."

Their discovery that Sebastian’s hands lack the fur observed the previous night only heightens their paranoia:

Sheriff Craig (11:30): "There was no hair on them at all. At first I thought we must have been mistaken the night before, but then I wasn't so sure."

The Climax: Confrontation at the Mansion

Determined to uncover the truth, Sheriff Craig and Ken Parker confront Sebastian at his newly acquired mansion. During this tense encounter, Sebastian’s true nature is revealed as he transforms into a terrifying creature:

Sebastian (16:59): "We can talk here. I see you have a bandage on your hand. Did you hurt it some way?"

Sheriff Craig (17:30): "I'm accusing you of being a shapeshifter? A werewolf?"

The confrontation escalates as Sebastian attacks, leading to a fierce struggle. The sheriff and Parker manage to kill him, but not before Sebastian reverts to his human form:

Narrator (17:50): "Sebastian is dead. I'll never forget what I saw. Right before our eyes. He changed. First into an animal and then, as he was dying, back into a man."

Resolution: A Town's Dark Secret

In the aftermath, Sheriff Craig rationalizes the events to maintain order and protect their reputations, ensuring that the truth about Sebastian remains buried:

Sheriff Craig (18:30): "Officially, I killed Sebastian in the line of duty for the murder of three people. Unofficially, and you and I know the truth. I killed a wolf who was the demon of the night."

This resolution leaves the town’s fear unresolved, hinting at the lingering presence of darkness and the fragile veneer of safety within the community.

Conclusion

"Demon of the Night" is a compelling episode that encapsulates the essence of The Horror! – blending suspense, supernatural elements, and human fear. Through immersive storytelling and atmospheric narration, RelicRadio.com delivers a captivating experience that keeps listeners on the edge of their seats. The episode skillfully balances dialogue and narration, punctuated by memorable quotes that underscore the unsettling tension:

Narrator (16:31): "You're listening to the tale of the demon of the night on this week's journey down the corridors of the hall of Fantasy."

As the story concludes, the unresolved fears and the enigmatic nature of Raphael Sebastian leave listeners pondering the thin line between reality and the supernatural, embodying the timeless allure of old-time horror radio.

Notable Quotes

• Sheriff Craig (04:00): "You notice his hands? Yeah, that's when I was thinking too. There was no hair on them at all."
• Ken Parker (09:50): "Pretty sight. Is it? I guess I'll call Simmons, then we'll drop you off, Alice."
• Alice (16:32): "Did you hear what he said, Ken? He said a wolf with a human face."
• Sebastian (17:39): "You're insane. Now we're not. Mr. Sebastian, first time I looked at your hands, I knew there was something wrong about you."

Final Thoughts

For enthusiasts of classic horror and supernatural tales, this episode of The Horror! offers a rich and engaging narrative that pays homage to the golden era of radio storytelling. With its intricate plot, well-developed characters, and haunting atmosphere, "Demon of the Night" stands as a testament to the enduring power of old-time radio to evoke fear and fascination.

Listeners are encouraged to explore more episodes from The Hall of Fantasy and other RelicRadio.com shows, ensuring that the legacy of these classic horror tales continues to thrill and terrify audiences new and old.

Transcript

[Narrator]

Oh, stories. Weird stories. And murders too. Turn out your legs. Turn them out. Good evening. Come in, won't you? What's the matter? Surely you're not nervous. Perhaps if you can't I take. We are meant to call from out of the past. Stories strange, weird tales of mystery and terror by radio's masters of the ma story with the supernatural. The supernormal dramatized that faith. The mystery the unsolved. We tell you this Frank Franklin. So if you wish to avoid the excitement tension of these magnets play refurbishing our rating series to turn off your rating now.

[Host]

This is the horror old fashioned fear. Every Saturday@ Relicradio.com Our story comes from the hall of Fantasy this week. A series that debuted for 12 episodes in 1947. It returned to radio over WGN in Chicago in 1949 where it ran until September of 1953. Our story today is from April 13, 1953. It's titled Demon of the Night.

[Narrator]

And now for our story, an original tale of fantasy by Richard Thorne entitled the Demon of the Night. There are two ways of looking at it. Either one believes that they died accidentally from natural causes. Or else we have to admit that there was something in the darkness waiting for them. Waiting for anyone who'd be unsuspecting enough to walk alone at night. I leave it up to you. Decide for yourself whether Raphael Sebastian was a maniacal killer or whether he was what so many people have called him. A creature in the darkness spawned in the mind of evil in the darkness of night, running in all fours to leap upon his unseen victim. He came to our town on the midnight train. Why I happened to be there at the station I attribute to restlessness. Sheriff Craig was there too. Who's that? Ken Parker. Sheriff. What are you doing down here? I couldn't sleep. She's right on time. Yeah. Why did he come down here? I don't know. Figured I might as well walk down to the station and see who might be getting off the midnight train. Then you knew he was coming tonight. Who was coming? Sebastian. You mean the man who bought the old Claymore place? That. No, I didn't. I'm kind of anxious to see. It's funny the way he bought the place. Was it? Yeah. Calling up at night when the real estate office was shut down. Having old Matt r and describe the place to him over the phone. Then mail him a check from that. Kind of anxious to see how he looks. Now. Here's the train, right on time. Back at the last car, someone getting off. Must be him looking around to meet him. Oh, he's coming this way. Maybe. Maybe we can misses the mansion. You looking for someone? I slipped my serpent on the head. You're supposed to meet me here. I guess he's late. I'm the sheriff. Al Craig, my name. This is Ken Park. I'm pleased to meet you. How do you do? Did you come down here to see me? Yes and no. What do you mean by that? I was kind of interested in you. I mean the way you bought the old glamour place and everything. I wanted to see the man who bought it over the telephone. Besides, I couldn't sleep. Who told you I was coming? Old Matt Ryerson, the real estate agent. And you, Mr. Parker? Why did you come down? I don't know, Mr. Sebastian. I guess I couldn't sleep either. Well, it's. It's rather late. You should not. Oh, here he comes. I must talk to him about being late. It's been very pleasant meeting you gentlemen. I hope that we may meet again quite soon. Thank you, Mr. Sebastian. I imagine we'll be seeing you around. I imagine you will, sheriff. Good night. All right. I got a funny feeling about that man Ken talking to you. I can't explain it. His eyes look sort of funny. And his hands. Did you notice his hands? Yes, I did notice how they were just covered with hair. Thick and furry, just like an animal. I was a little surprised that the sheriff had fastened upon the same things I had. There was only one light on the deserted station platform but Raphael Sebastian had stopped directly beneath it while he waited for his car. There was something strange about his eyes. But the thing which had sent an unaccountable tremor of fear through me was his hands. They were small hands, graceful and well formed. They were covered with a thick coating of hair. And as Craig had said, they did remind one of the fur of an animal. Perhaps I should mention that I own the paper. In this small town we live in it was always news to us to note the departures and arrivals in the town. So knew that Saturday when the Gazette came out it would have an item about Sebastian's arrival. Both Sheriff Craig and I lived in the outskirts of the town. So I drove him back to his house and stopped in for a cup of coffee. Now, I hope you don't mind it being a little strong. That's the way I like it, Sheriff. Sue always makes it so weak. I can't stand a drink. This stuff tastes like dirty dishwater. Cream and sugar? No, no, I like it flash. Appreciate the flavor, huh? So do I. Paper Getting along all right. You've been doing a good job since your father died, Ken. I didn't listen. Yeah, I hear it. Must be a dog. Ain't no dog. No dog have a house like that. And what is it? I haven't been any of those critters anywhere near here in a long time. You mean that's a wolf? That's what it is. Shot a lot of them when I was young. Probably out looking for food. Maybe have this gun and it gives you the creeps, don't it? A little. Sounds like a big one. Maybe we'd better go up. What was that? I don't know. It sounded like a window breaking. Isn't any mistake in that sound. That was a scream. Come on. The only other house out here is Widow Brady's. Scream must have come from there, then. Don't see any light, John. That definitely came from her house. I know it's Ms. Whitey. Ms. Brady. Maybe the door is unlocked. No, no, she always leaves it locked. Mrs. Brady, listen. Like an animal, we're gonna break this door open. You ready? Yeah. All right. Come together. Do it again. She's sleeping on the first floor bedroom. Just follow me. This is right, eh? The light's right here, Mrs. Brady. Something. Some animal must have been in here. Look at her. It's. What a horrible way to die. We'll return to the tale of the Demon of the night in just a moment. Back now to the hall of Fantasy and the tale of the Demon of the Night. I had stopped at Sheriff Craig's house for a late cup of coffee. We'd just returned from the station in our first meeting with coffee and Sebastian. A scream had echoed in the night. We raced outside to see what was wrong. What we found was death. That wolf again. You think that Wolf killed Mrs. Brady? That's what it looks like, doesn't it? What are you going to do? That animal's got to be killed. That's what I'm going to do. Craig went out by himself that night in an attempt to track the animal. But though the tracks were quite clear outside, the broken window was impossible to follow them. By morning, a light rain had sprung up and all traces of the tracks disappeared. I was at the paper the following day getting everything ready to go to press.

[Alice]

10.

[Narrator]

Oh, Alice. I'm sorry, darling. I didn't see you come in.

[Alice]

I'm beginning to feel jealous of that typewriter. What are you writing now?

[Narrator]

Well, the story of what happened last night.

[Alice]

It's already all over the town.

[Narrator]

Yes, I know but they'll read about it just the same.

[Alice]

Matt Ryerson told me that an Animal had killed Mrs. Brady.

[Narrator]

That's right.

[Alice]

He said something about a big wolf. Is that true?

[Narrator]

As far as Craig and I know.

[Alice]

Well, they better catch the animal and kill it. Ken, the town's getting panicky.

[Narrator]

Craig was going to trail it, but when the rain came this morning, there wasn't any trail to follow.

[Alice]

Oh, it's not raining now.

[Narrator]

Don't you see, Alice? The rain washed plaques away. You two talking over your marriage plan?

[Alice]

No, Sheriff. We were talking about what happened last night.

[Narrator]

I thought you might be different. The whole town's talking about that. Anything new, Sheriff? Not a thing. Town's getting all head up about it. I don't like it. Anything I can do for you, Sheriff? Hey, Ken, I'm going out to see that Sebastian fellow. Want to come along? Of course. Sebastian came in last night on the midnight train.

[Alice]

What are you going out to see him for?

[Narrator]

Just to see him, that's all, Sheriff. Craig and I went out to his car, got in and drove out to the old glamour mansion a few miles out of town. Well, back from the highway, we turned into the gravel road that led to the house. It'll be pretty nice to see this old place fixed up. Certainly gone to ruin since Claymore died. It will be nice to see it fixed up, but what? Yeah, I don't know. This killing's got me down. Don't worry, Craig. You'll get the wolves. I hope so. Well, we're here now. Let's go. Right. All that rain this morning has certainly turned into a nice day. Kind of a day I like to go fishing. Yeah, me too. I guess that servant of his must have come out early to get the house in order. Use the knocker kit. Good afternoon, Sheriff. Afternoon, Mr. Sebastian. Are you here on business? I will. Won't you come in, then? Yes. You certainly cleaned it up in here. My servant Carlos, was here for some time. Sit down, if you will. Huh? Now, what can I do for you? Last night when you were driving out here, did you see or hear anything? I don't understand. Like a wolf. A wolf? That's right. No, I didn't. Where do you ask? We had a killing in town last night. You mean someone was murdered? Yes, by a wolf. At least that's when we think it is. Hey, what happened? Was someone out walking? No. The wolf broke through a window to enter the house. That sounds impossible to believe. Yeah, I know. I just want to warn you. Living way out here, the way you do to make sure you have plenty of protection. Do not worry, Sheriff. I am able to protect myself. Did the animal leave any trail? Yes, he did. Yeah, but I couldn't follow it in the dark. And when it was light enough to see, a storm started and washed out the tracks. Oh, that's too bad. Well, you keep your eyes open, Mr. Sebastian. I will, Sheriff. Come on, Ken, let's go. We went outside, got into the car and got it back to town. We driven for about five minutes before I realized that something was different about Sebastian. I think Sheriff Craig realized it at the same time. Sheriff. Well, I just thought of something. So did I. You notice his hands? Yeah. That's when I was thinking too. There was no hair on them at all. At first I thought we must have been mistaken the night before, but then I wasn't so sure. Both Sheriff Craig and I had seen his hands the night before. Both of us couldn't be mistaken. We didn't have much time for further speculation, however. I had to get back to the paper. I was behind in my work and I had to make up for lost time. About 8:00 that evening, Alice came down to help me. We worked steadily until. Almost 11.

[Alice]

You are three.

[Narrator]

Yeah. What time is it?

[Alice]

Oh, almost 11.

[Narrator]

Well, I better get you home or finish up in the morning.

[Alice]

Well, I can go home alone if you want to stay here, Ken.

[Narrator]

No, Alex. I don't want you offering the streets now. Not where there's any chance of that animal returning. Let's go.

[Alice]

I've never seen the town look so deserted at 11 o'clock.

[Narrator]

You're all afraid. Oh, look.

[Alice]

There's your afraid.

[Narrator]

The sheriff. Hello, Ken.

[Alice]

I see you're wearing two guns, Jeff.

[Narrator]

That's right. Not going to take any chances. You walk in, Alice. Home, Ken. Yes. Well, I might as well go along with you. Everybody must be staying inside.

[Alice]

No, not everybody. Sheriff. Look up there. Isn't that Matt Ryerson?

[Narrator]

I can't see too well. We need more street lights in this town.

[Alice]

Listen.

[Narrator]

Yes, I heard it. I don't like this. There's an animal up there. He's tearing him to pieces. No, he's running away now. I missed him. Don't call it. Matt. Matt, are you all right? With a human face? He's dead.

[Host]

Did you.

[Alice]

Did you hear what he said, Ken? He said a with a human face.

[Narrator]

You are listening to the tale of the demon of the night on this week's journey down the corridors of the hall of Fantasy. We'll return to our story in just A moment. Back now to our story, an original tale of fantasy by Richard Thorne entitled the Demon of the Night. Sheriff Craig and I were walking Alice Hall. It was after 11. Was speak to deserted and dark. Old Matt Ryerson lay on the ground where he had fallen after the attack. Before our eyes. He died.

[Alice]

Did you hear what he said, Ken? He said a. A wolf with a human face.

[Narrator]

I heard what he said. That thing out there in the darkness, whatever it is, it's gotta be killed.

[Alice]

What do you mean, Sheriff? Whatever it is.

[Narrator]

Just what I said.

[Alice]

You think it's something besides a wolf?

[Narrator]

Well, I don't know for sure. What are we going to do with him? There's nothing much we can do. Isn't it? Pretty sight. Is it? I guess I'll call Simmons, then we'll drop you off, Alice. Then what? You come along, Ken. Then you and I will follow the trail of that killer. Good thing that it did rain. The ground's pretty soft. Makes it seem easier to follow. We've been out for almost three hours. I know. I wonder if that critter knows. What? Aren't you endowing it with the faculty of reason? Maybe no animal is capable of reasoning. That's where you're making a mistake. All animals can reason a little. And I know one that can reason a lot. There's only one animal. You mean a man? That's right, a man. A man that can take on the form of a wolf. That's not possible. You should listen to my wife talk. She can tell you some stories that will make the hair on the back of your neck stand up. Man would assume it's a form of a wolf. That's only legend. Folk belief. You figure it your way, I'll figure it mine. That critter's getting closer to it. You sure? Of course I am. We aren't tracking it anymore. It's tracking us. Maybe you've been wondering why I'm carrying two guns tonight. Well, the air of one of them is for you. Thanks. We better stop you. You notice which way we've been traveling? North. That's right. And what lies north of the south? Nothing, except the old glamour place. That's where we've been heading. We aren't more than a half a mile away from it. You're really serious in believing that we're dealing with a werewolf? Dead serious. Listen, I heard something. Keep your eyes open. I can't see anything. Don't talk, just shoot. Just look. There it is. I see it. You hit it, we might as well stop. No. Sense shooting at the shadows. It's too far away by now. Did you notice which way was going? North? Yeah, just about a half a mile towards the old glamour place. You and me were going there, too. We're going to pay. Mr. Sebastian, a visitor. Shine your light again. Yeah, that's right. There's the blood spot again. You got any doubts now where the trail ends? It's only 25ft away from us. Look. The PAL prints end here. That's right. And you see? The bare footprints of a man. Now do you believe me? I guess so. Now, when we get inside, you let me do most of the talking. All right? Here's a knocker. Right. I wonder who'll answer the door. Sebastian or his servant. We don't have long to find out. I think someone's coming. Yes? Oh, it's. It's you, Sheriff Craig. And Mr. Parker. What. What can I do for you, huh? We'd like to come in and talk a spell. Well, it's. It's rather late. What I have to say won't keep. Well, then, come in. How come your servant didn't open the door? Oh, why, he. He left my employee. I guess I must have missed him when he took the train. Yes, you must have. We can talk here. I see you have a bandage on your hand. Did you hurt it some way? I heard. I got it. So, what do you want to talk to me about? About two killings. And I think maybe a third. What do you mean? The old woman that was killed last night, Widow Brady, you didn't know her. And Matt Ryerson, he was killed tonight. And your servant, when did he die? You. You're insane. Now we're not. Mr. Sebastian, first time I looked at your hands, I knew there was something wrong about you. They're covered with hair just like the hair of a wolf. They're only covered at night, not in the daytime. Phew. You don't know what you're talking about. And you didn't cut your hands. Bastion. We shot you when you tried to attack us tonight. You have no proof, Craig. You. You're accusing me of being. Being a shapeshifter? A werewolf? You don't expect people to believe you, do you? I don't care what they believe. We know what you are. They're gonna see that you can't kill anyone else. You don't think that you can stop me, do you, Craig? Huh? Look at this. Yes, look at me, Craig. And we shall see. Who? You just gotta tell me. He's dead. Dead? Are you sure? I wouldn't be making a mistake about that. No. Sebastian is dead. I'll never forget what I saw. Right before our eyes. He changed. First into an animal and then, as he was dying, back into a man. You'd better forget it if you know what's wise. People aren't going to believe you now that he's dead. If he was alive, the murders went on and then they'd believe you. But not now. Officially, I killed Sebastian in the line of duty for the murder of three people. Unofficially, and you and I know the truth. I killed a wolf who was the demon of the night.

[Host]

There's more from the hall of Fantasy, the Horror and all of the Relic radio shows@ Relicradio.com you'll find the shoutcast stream up and running there as well, with even more old time Radio lots to listen to, all made possible by your support. If you'd like to help out, visit donate. Relicradio.com or click on one of the links on the website. Thanks to those who have thanks for joining me this week. Be back tomorrow with Strange Tales and next Saturday with our next episode of the Horror.