Willy Harsen's death

Capt. Slayhab is contacted by Willy Harsen, a friend from his U.S. Navy days, who seems to be in some distress. Accompanied by Jack Blackcloud, Slayhab journeys to Harsen's house outside Rowley, near Innsmouth.

After a night of conversation and a fitful sleep, they find Harsen near death the next morning, foaming at the mouth, apparently a victim of poisoning?

Hearing scurrying noises outside the house, Blackcloud investigates and is attacked by large crustaceans. He is eventually able to fight them off but loses some blood in the process. Frantic to save Harsen's life, Blackcloud runs for help and hails one of the neighbors who is outside chopping wood. Nick Casper -- a seemingly friendly outdoorsman -- says he doesn't have medical training but refers them to a Dr. Bloom in Innsmouth.

When Slayhab and Blackcloud arrive at the elderly, bespectacled Doctor's office, Bloom makes a quick examination of the now-immobile and lifeless body and pronounces Harsen DOA -- Dead On Arrival. Doctor Bloom apologetically explains that nothing could have saved Harsen, but Slayhab is extremely distraught at losing his old Navy buddy. Apparently someone has contacted the local authorities as shortly thereafter, a Constable Nathan Birch arrives at Doctor Bloom's office.

With his stooping gait, heavy trenchcoat, and devious grin, Constable Birch appears somehow subtly misshapen and untrustworthy. But Slayhab and Blackcloud nevertheless tell him what they know about Harsen, and the Constable promises a full investigation into Harsen's death. After Constable Birch leaves, Dr. Bloom confides his suspicions regarding two local fishermen of ill repute -- Harris Jakes and Sandy Lanier....