Robert Cairn

Dr. Bruce Cairn

Robert Cairn is Bruce's uncle, a supportive family member who aids in the fight against supernatural evil.

Sir Michael Ferrara

Robert Cairn is Sir Michael's brother, and they share a close familial bond, both concerned for Bruce's safety.

Dr. Bruce Cairn

Robert Cairn is Bruce's uncle, a supportive family member who aids in the fight against supernatural evil.

Dr. Bruce Cairn

Robert Cairn is Bruce's uncle, a supportive family member who aids in the fight against supernatural evil.

Brood of the Witch-Queen

Dr. Cairn's son, who assists in the investigation and is deeply concerned about Ferrara's influence on Myra.

I: Antony Ferrara

Main perspective; confides in Sime about Ferrara's strange behavior and visits Ferrara's rooms.

II: The Phantom Hands

Visits Sir Michael's house, investigates the hospital death, and learns of Myra's terrifying experience.

III: The Ring of Thoth

Relates his observations of Antony Ferrara and the dead girl; questions his father about Ferrara's origin.

At Ferrara's Chambers

Visits Ferrara's chambers under pretense, then reports to his father about the will.

The Rustling Shadows

Sees Myra Duquesne outside Ferrara's chambers and later experiences supernatural horrors in his rooms.

VI: The Beetles

Under psychic attack from beetle apparitions; calls his father for help and struggles to maintain his sanity.

VII: Sir Elwin Groves’ Patient

Mentioned as experiencing heartburnings over Myra's departure.

IX: The Polish Jewess

Reports seeing Antony Ferrara with Lady Lashmore and discusses Ferrara's menace.

X: The Laughter

Takes notes during his father's explanation and accompanies him to the Lashmore house.

XI: Cairo

Arrives in Cairo for a rest-cure after a nervous breakdown; engages with local superstitions about an Afreet.

The Mask of Set

Participates in the carnival chase, witnesses the scorpion and the masked figure, and is unsettled by the khamsin.

XIII: The Scorpion Wind

Confides in Sime about Ferrara's crimes and sorcery; becomes delirious after confronting Ferrara during the khamsin.

XIV: Dr. Cairn Arrives

Dr. Cairn's son, in deadly peril in Egypt, motivating his father's journey.

XV: The Witch-Queen

Awakens to find his father about to stab him; learns of Ferrara's manipulation via a false wireless and hypnotic suggestion.

Lair of the Spiders

Accompanies his father, discovers the trapdoor, and is horrified by the spider attack; later receives Ferrara's taunting gift.

The Story of Ali Mohammed

Listens intently to the report and questions his father about the meaning of Ali Mohammed's story.

XVIII: The Bats

Accompanies his father, expresses confusion about the mission, and listens to explanations about Julian the Apostate and anthropomancy.

XIX: Anthropomancy

Mentioned as having fired shots at something like a huge bat on the first stage.

XX: The Incense

Returns from Egypt, deeply anxious about Myra's safety and haunted by the scent of the incense.

XXI: The Magician

Agitated, clenches fists, questions Ferrara's origins and expresses despair over Myra's safety.

XXII: Myra

Declares his love for Myra, kisses her, and discusses Ferrara's visit and Myra's health.

The Face in the Orchid-House

Waits in agony downstairs, then accompanies his father to Half-Moon Street.

Flowering of the Lotus

Assists his father, provides crucial information about the orchid, and witnesses Myra's recovery.

Cairn Meets Ferrara

Visits the British Museum, encounters Ferrara, and struggles with his inability to act against him in public.

The Ivory Hand

Protagonist; alone in his chambers, he experiences auditory hallucinations, a mysterious shadow, and unconscious writing. He examines the silken cord and falls into a trance.

XXVII: The Thug’s Cord

Subjected to a supernatural strangulation attempt by disembodied hands; fights for his life until rescued by his father.

XXVIII: The High Priest, Hortotef

Observes the stormy morning and reflects on the beginning of the conflict at Oxford; questions Myra about her dreams; learns the truth about Antony Ferrara from his father.

The Wizard's Den

Tracks Ferrara to his hidden den near Dulwich Common, using a photographer's shop and a taxi pursuit.

The Elemental

Observes the attack in horror, helps revive Myra after she faints.

The Book of Thoth

Assists his father in breaking into the barn and witnesses the destruction of the Book of Thoth.