Robert Ervin Howard

Skull-Face Robert Ervin Howard

The story begins with Steve Costigan wearily waking in Yu Shantu's Temple of Dreams, a hashish den in the city of London, England. He has recurring dreams of something he calls "Skull Face," and is puzzled about their meaning. He is broke, and in need of more hashish, the drug he is desperately addicted to, leaving Costigan barely able to survive. When confronted by the doorman, Hassim, Costigan informs him of his lack of funds. Hassim promptly throws him out through the front door of the den. Bruised and bleeding, Costigan is helped to his feet by a young woman, Zulieka.