Today's focus is the one hundred and twentieth issue of Master of Kung Fu. The cover depicted the titular character in a forest peering at a kilted man who was playing the bagpipes. The story was called "Dweller by the Dark Stream." The issue had a cover date of January 1983.
The tale began at Stormhaven Castle in Scotland. Shang was enjoying a little quality time with nature in the yard when he was goaded into an impromptu sparring session with his friend, Rufus "Midnight" Carter, who had just scaled the nearby wall. Afterward, they began to chat about a mission that Carter wanted to recruit Shang-Chi for.
This was Carter's first solo excursion since leaving the CIA. Shang-Chi agreed to assist, and the two drove to a residence in the countryside. After arriving, they spotted the owner, who was standing atop a cliff playing his bagpipes. The trio retreated to the old man's cottage, where he explained why he needed protection.
The client's home had been in his family for generations. There were rumors that treasure had been hidden on the property, which the old man was determined to find. He then left his guests to rest while he caught fish for their meal.
Carter and Shang had doubts about the stories of treasures and ghosts, and discussed them as they explored the land. They soon ran into several men who claimed that the property was theirs. A fight broke out before Carter could examine the documents firsthand.
Later on, Shang-Chi and Carter went into town. They examined a copy of the deed that proved that their client, Mr. McBride, was indeed the legal owner of his property. The duo then returned to share that confirmation with him. Carter and Shang decided to stay for a while to protect McBride.
Little did anyone know that the intruders weren't about to give up. They returned that evening to set explosives near the river. The sounds of the explosions drew Shang-Chi and Carter out to face them once more.
Rufus concentrated on the men who were lighting sticks of dynamite, while Shang followed several men who were busy digging up a grave in a small cemetery close by. Things escalated as a bird knocked a stack of dynamite into the water, setting off another explosion.
The conflict then carried underneath the rising waters. Shang-Chi was convinced that he'd seen a spectre playing bagpipes atop a hill in the meantime. However, when he resurfaced after the battle, he saw that it was McBride playing the instrument.
Carter and Shang brought their foes to shore and learned that the casket that had been partially dug up contained the rumored family treasure. Carter decided not to charge the old man anything for their help, and noted that the gold that was discovered could be used to restore McBride's family home. He and Shang-Chi then left the old man in peace.
This was the last mission that Shang-Chi embarked upon with Rufus Carter during this series' run. This was also the last issue illustrated by Gene Day, who passed away after having a heart attack in October 1982. The second and third pages really showcased his artistic abilities, and he's greatly missed decades later. In my opinion, he and Paul Gulacy were the best artists on this book.
Well, that's all for now. I'll kick off Saturday with a recap of the one hundred and twenty-first issue of Master of Kung Fu. A new creative team crafts a yarn that involves Shang traveling to the city of lights to help a damsel in distress. Until then, have a great week and don't forget to be kind to one another.
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