"Prunes" by C. P. Howard / Horror at the Poles

[@HorrorBabble]

Regarding the author: everybody loves a good mystery, don't they?! It would seem PRUNES wasn't previously published. Apparently the author is still alive, and has several other unpublished works, including at least one other involving the 'watchmen'. More to follow.

[@jdsteppenzyde]

Good catch, HB! Maybe more newbies soon???

[@PoffinFresh]

I think you are the author.

[@jdsteppenzyde]

@@PoffinFresh Ha! I wish.

[@PoffinFresh]

@@jdsteppenzyde I didn’t mean you, I was referring to Mr. Gordon as the author writing under the pen name C.P. Howard.

[@Wombats555]

I really liked this - it is great Lovecraft and I love the punch line. Would love more CP Howard and more snowy business at the poles. Makes me want more Algernon Blackwood enjoying the outdoors!

[@joz6683]

The last time I was this early, Warren was still alive, 😂

[@kgreen242424]

Technically Warren is alive still. The one telling us "you fool, Warren is dead" is in fact Warren. Well physically he lives but his soul has been sundered and his body is being piloted. You could say he is in a superposition of alive and dead. Lol

[@AcornElectron]

…I do not know what has become of Harley Warren, though I think (almost hope) that he is in peaceful oblivion….

[@kgreen242424]

@@AcornElectron You can rest, either easy or no, knowing that in the ways that actually matter "Warren is dead". What has become of his commandeered vessel remains a topic of much speculation and will forever be shrouded in mystery

[@av7501]

You fool

[@howardhavardramberg333]

😂🥶😅🥲

[@JT_Soul]

I'm a retired lighthouse cat and my wife is a soul-devouring trans-dimensional aurora being of the polar wastes. We both quite enjoyed this story.

[@Wombats555]

Dear Mr Fluffypaws, I regret to inform you your colleague and sometime lover, Warren, is dead. Yours sincerely, Ewe Fuel

[@CountingHouse]

What a charming couple.

[@jackdare]

Trans-dimensional? Oh man, those never work out because you can't see enough of each other.. literally!

[@oldsoldier64]

As a senior citizen, I clicked on this story with great anticipation

[@SueCooke]

😂😂😂

[@taterpussy3825]

As a frequenter of gentleman's clubs, I did as well

[@Driven2Beers]

Does the 64 in your handle denote that you were born in 1964? I was also born that year, but I'll be damned if I'm calling myself a senior! I was a senior in 1982. That summer I graduated high school and I haven't been a senior since! 😁

[@oldsoldier64]

​@Driven2Beers I am actually 64 years old. (1959) not really a prune fan

[@BigTuk]

I get the feeling the Cat's diary be like. "Human going crazy. Need help. Should have paid attention to how he opened the food tins."

[@michaelkottler]

Exactly.

[@EndOfSmallSanctuary97]

This is my favourite of all of the Horror at the Poles stories; deeply atmospheric, claustrophobic and tense. I love the diary format, it feels like an old-fashioned, proto version of "found footage" horror.

[@kathbaker1550]

Lair Island - people who don't have scots/lallans may not be aware that lair is the word for burial place or plot of ground. One can purchase single, double or family lairs in cemeteries :) Thought people might find this interesting?

[@milkom2021]

I love it. Anything concerning the poles and the sense of isolation and the unknown gives me chills. The howling wind effect was an exquisite touch

[@michaelkottler]

ikr? The wind...

[@AcornElectron]

Whilst I love ‘The Mound’, it’s always comforting to hear these more obscure stories. Especially when there’s a cat involved 😂 Keep up the good work and, as always, stay safe!

[@lastofthe4horsemen279]

The Mound and Shadow out of Time are the only two Lovecraft stories l havent read or listened to

[@michaelkottler]

"The Mound" is, IMO, one of HPL's best, yet I rarely encounter another cosmic horror or related genre fan who's especially keen on "The Mound".

[@michaelkottler]

This well-produced intro to CP Howard is much-appreciated (along with "The Man Who Made Faces"). Excellent again, HB.

[@cynthiahawkins2389]

Whenever I want to escape political rivalry/mud slinging, and derring do..., etc I put on HORROR BABBLE and I am in seconds, transported to another world of mystery, scary events and fantastical narratives. Bravo...

[@jeffhaley2706]

A very well written story..and great narration as usual Mr. Gordon..thank you and God bless you and anyone reading this..have a good night. 🐧

[@Boogie_the_cat]

Right back atcha, chief. 👍🏽

[@AKKK1182]

Excellent work by the author, definitely gives off major Lovecraft vibes. And of course a great execution on the narration.

[@michaelkottler]

Agreed.

[@1701EarlGrey]

"Night gathers, and now my watch begins. It shall not end until my death..." I wonder if George R. R. Martin took an inspiration from it when he thought out "Song of ice and fire" ? After all this story too have watcher, observing frozen wetland where ice-zombie delve... I only wonder why this author and his story is not better known, since this is surprisingly well written, atmospheric tale

[@0therun1t21]

How can I not clixk on something with such a dubios title? That was awesome, thanks!

[@kgreen242424]

dubious. your welcome. hehehehe

[@0therun1t21]

​@@kgreen242424You're the author? I love the story! The ice bridge is perfect, and there's no way to stop it.

[@michaelkottler]

@@0therun1t21 Yep, that was C.P. Howard (the "hehehehe" gave it away)

[@Wombats555]

This plus Io the doggy from Night of the Nucklavee = new horror paws expanded universe. Inform Hollywood.

[@michaelkottler]

New horror paws. Yes, get Hollywood on the line immediately.

[@robertwalker-smith2739]

Kept me rapt until the very end. Didn't know, couldn't guess. Another triumph of yours, sir.

[@keltaruusutravels4024]

This story is wonderful. Amazingly talented author. ❤

[@johnnyblaze4546]

Knocked it outta the park. As usual thanks so much !!!

[@tamlandipper29]

A very tidy tale, well anchored by the cat.

[@robbabcock_]

Absolutely wonderful! While I do support some creators on Patreon, HorrorBabble is undoubtedly one of the most impactful for my daily life. I listen to something Ian has narrated nearly every day! Thanks for all you do, HB. 👿🧛‍♂🦇🔥👏

[@suzannef138]

Great series, many thanks

[@MrsCaranAmy]

This was an amazing story tonight. Excellent narration. Thank you very much. 🤗💖🌟

[@thefisherking78]

These beautifully disturbing stories are helping get me through a dark time of the year and of my life. Thank you as always

[@jeffhaley2706]

Hope things get better for you and God bless you. Praying always helps me..God is always listening and Jesus loves you

[@Wombats555]

I love Algernon Blackwood and Clark Ashton Smith to get absolutely lost in. The Willows and The Abominations of Yondo are good starts. The Lovecraft Investigations on BBC Sounds is also possibly the only other media up to HorrorBabble standards :)

[@donaldmccleary9015]

Awesome story and narration! I absolutely love the plot! I had to wait to start this until I finished "The Three Imposters". It is really "short", so I was delayed in listening to this. The rhyme towards the end is really neat. That is some great writing. Way to sneak that in there!

[@guapodesperado2822]

Best horror narrator on youtube, no doubt about it. Thanks for all you do, spreading these wonderful stories.

[@Oraphel]

Great suggestive moments of chills. Also some fabulous allusions between the noises heard here and the strange piping in ‘At the Mountains of Madness’. The author had to be privy to Mr. Lovecraft, either on a conscious or unconscious level. And is there a slight allusion to the Smalls Lighthouse Tragedy? Much gratitude to you Ian. You bring exposure to these rather talented authors who were once’s forgotten, and that is invaluable.

[@Tacklepig]

That "strange piping" in Mountains of Madness was intended by Lovecraft himself to be a reference to a Poe story, so it might also be referencing that.

[@michaelkottler]

Privy to HPL? Indeed. Consciously, even.

[@ryanrobison8973]

Holy crap!!! I absolutely loved this story! I always love lighthouse horror, but this one was so atmospheric and fun to listen to! I really hope this author could possibly get some more unpublished works to you lol! Especially the other watchmen one!

[@Lacoleccionistamisterios]

Excellent. I love the ambient and the gradually revelation of the truth. Great story and great narrative.

[@michaelkottler]

Agreed.

[@GrubbsandWyrm]

Not on goodreads. You found a truly hidden gem

[@kgreen242424]

The word "Bothy"(probably spelled that wrong) makes me laugh. I don't know why but I AM COLD! "How am i gonna survive the next eight weeks?" Listen to @HorrorBabble

[@Eartse60]

Always listen to the cat!

[@teslastellar]

Amazing story and narration 👍 Thanks Ian 😊

[@KeksosDerGrosse]

Great setup and execution, loved every minute of it!

[@soulreaver1983]

Many thanks Ian 😎👍

[@andreasfilis9001]

Well, this was amazing!

[@nathanharper5670]

Ian, your reading of "heck" @19:00 is the closest I've ever heard it sound to useful adult profanity. Well done.

[@Boogie_the_cat]

I enjoyed this one, and Emory the smarty-qat. Best New Year wishes to the whole Gordon household (and pets)

[@jordannewland5848]

They did Emory dirty

[@Soma-dr4jm]

Great story! I hope little Emery made it…

[@tomkerruish2982]

Dana Andrews said prunes gave him the runes.

[@miarencrowsdaughter6434]

As tarantulas took to the hills...

[@michaelkottler]

Dana Andrews from Night of the Demon, or...?

[@tomkerruish2982]

@michaelkottler Yes. My post, however, is a line from the opening song of The Rocky Horror Picture Show.

[@iandalzell1226]

It's 0. F degrees here So this story is very appropriate for here. Thanks again HB

[@blurryface9597]

Wow! That was a great story! What a way to end this series! Thank you as always for your fantastic narration!

[@trishbirchard1270]

Oh, boy! This will set the tone of the day! 🥰

[@suedavenport8208]

Out with the moisturiser, lol. Fabulous story, beautifully read.

[@brocknyren]

POOR EMERY!! 😭😭💔💔

[@seanmurphy6480]

WOW IAN I DONE THE ZETLAND HOTEL LAST NIGHT AND MY MIND IS MANGLED WHAT A YARN..I MAY BE OK IN A WEEK OR SO......OUTSTANDING. PART 2?

[@ellkat3]

Ooh, this was good! Something about it felt quite Skyrim-y, for lack of a better word 😂

[@ericbouchard9744]

Nice one Ian, as always

[@ronaldwilliamson7963]

Unusually clever plot and ending. Better than some of Lovecraft.

[@Stratollac]

I love stories based on journals or letters, and this one was highly enjoyable. The ending, unfortunately, was unsatisfying, as was the reveal of the reason for the title. Still, there was much to recommend, and I'll be interested to read/hear other works by the author.

[@consuelaofthenorth4768]

Haven't listened yet, but "Prunes?!" If you ever find a story entitled "Lima Beans," I'm never going to recover! 🤢 Still traumatized from childhood.

[@michaelkottler]

To which "Lima Beans" tale are you referring? "A Bad Case of Stripes", or...?

[@2001Tavis]

I really really like this story 🥰 it shares the pedestal with Ice Demon .... the only thing that is mystifying is What is King Leer story who ruled the ice island ? 🤔

[@miarencrowsdaughter6434]

That particular spelling is also the German word for 'empty' - kind of fitting for dessication.

[@Jirusnightsky]

This was an excellent story with quite a funny ending :)

[@adamwoodhouse7865]

So good as always

[@MrWarbreed02]

The man who saw the lights was fire bro bro

[@awarningtothecuriouswerewolves]

Minus 20 Celsius! That ain't nothing! It's currently minus 34 Celsius here at the Old Regina Cemetery, where I'm currently vacationing! Warren!

[@mortuarycookiezshane4192]

Was gonna hold off on listening to this til tomorrow after I get a tooth pulled but it was too tempting

[@Driven2Beers]

Prunes are a horror story in themselves. 😝

[@PoffinFresh]

I suspect the narrator is the author. 🤔

[@MatthewTheWolf2029]

Great stuff!

[@anthonybarnwell767]

Your storys are amazing 😊

[@camojoe83]

Isn't there another lighthouse story like this? I'd take the job, tho. Seems cool.

[@CJM-rg5rt]

He's got one where rats attack a lighthouse of three guys, I wish I could remember what it's called.

[@HorrorBabble]

Three Skeleton Key.

[@camojoe83]

@@HorrorBabble There it is. Thank you!

[@justicepie314]

Great story and reading! Cats! Am I right?! Never trust the things...but always trust them. 🤷‍♂ I agree with something someone mentioned previously, it definitely holds some similarities with 'the Night's Watch'. Who inspired who...?

[@seanmurphy6480]

THANKS I FEEL A LITTLE BETTER NOW 👍

[@tishahouse846]

Listening from the ukwales ❤

[@Kitsaplorax]

I'm surprised that few of these tales have gotten a movie. Three or four of the more obscure tales would make a great anthology movie. Amicus and Hammer, I hope your new studio heads are paying attention.

[@unclevlad3357]

Yep, too many prunes will leave you desiccated.

[@Drifter2025]

Let's goooo!

[@magnuskallas]

It's sounds as if Mr. Bane was deserted at the polar wasteland :)

[@DrBrothBaist]

Ads? Damn i always liked how these narrations didnt have interpretations.

[@ers5072]

Do you know of any other stories by P.P. Howard? I can find nothing on him. Was this a Weird Tales story. Did he have any novels or other stories in any anthologies? Great story by the way and of course your narration was impeccable as always!

[@JamieAsareZiegler]

Unsolicited Advice: Never trust a corporation called The Corporation.

[@michaelkottler]

Exactly.

[@jamesshepherd5805]

That ending, damn

[@fredg.sanford634]

I am doing night watch duty for a friend of mine at a COMPLETELY deserted industrial park that will be repurposed one of these days. It has an underground tunnel complex that connects every old building in the park to each other. There is an entrance to the tunnels in the decrepit guard shack where my ass is seated. I must ensure that the buildings don't burn down and that no one squats in them. The tunnels are empty. However, the wind howls through them, and the door in the shack creaks incessantly. This was not the best story for me to hear tonight...

[@maxscherzer9521]

It's odd that the author brought a feline companion with him to the lighthouse. Most people would have brought a pet cat instead.

[@linnmatthews8615]

Good story. Abrupt ending. Good endings are hard to write.

[@michaelkottler]

lmao

[@bigsarge2085]

✌

[@lindaloe]

T Terrific!!😂😊!!

[@furtivedolus2504]

What year was this published?

[@EndOfSmallSanctuary97]

I'm wondering this too. The writing seems slightly more modern in style than the usual 1930s/40s, but I might be wrong.

[@miarencrowsdaughter6434]

@@EndOfSmallSanctuary97 The text summary on the click-through says that this recording is the first publication.

[@guilledcf1547]

not the electric ones

[@madderhat5852]

Frozen prunes?

[@Padoinky]

They tell y’all not to do anything but observe… they do that for a reason, but no, y’all had to go out and leave the bldg and likely let it unsecured… now y’all got uninvited guests…

[@patkelly8309]

Boss

[@gwcrecords9630]

Do you know anything about the author?

[@Matt-d1s]

A good narration as always, sadly these "obscure tales" are "obscure" for very good reasons. Can't upvote tales of this "class" but I shan't down vote as this is horrorbabble.

[@camojoe83]

Wtf is your problem?

[@evelanpatton]

It’s good to have standards. To see the best & the …not so best of literary work so as to know the difference, yes?

[@AcornElectron]

🧐 My supposition is that your watch time and comment will help the algorithm nonetheless. The ‘like’ helps the channel grow and reach other potential listeners and even a ‘dislike’ gives metrics. Is it uncomfortable on that fence?

[@michaelkottler]

lmao at this along with an earlier comment "Abrupt ending. Good endings are hard to write". Peak ironic comedy. Thank you.

[@michaelkottler]

@@camojoe83 Clearly it was intended as apex-level comic irony. Or not.