# III: "That Thing Isn't My Daughter—" explained — Short Fiction

> Chapter companion for Short Fiction by Manly Wade Wellman.

## What happens

Talbot Wills takes Susan Gird for a drive, learning about the town's peculiar governance, the Devil's Croft, and Susan's family history. Upon returning, a séance is conducted with strict precautions, but a monstrous entity manifests and attacks John Gird.

## Themes in this chapter

### Science vs. Superstition

Wills applies rigorous scientific methods (sealing, handcuffs, search) to debunk supernatural claims, yet the séance produces an inexplicable entity.

### Supernatural Evil and Occultism

The séance summons a grotesque, animalistic creature that attacks Gird, suggesting a malevolent supernatural force.

### Fear and Control

Wills's elaborate precautions reflect an attempt to control the unknown, but the creature's sudden violence shatters that control, evoking primal fear.

## Character check-ins

### Talbot Wills

Narrator and investigator; conducts the séance with meticulous security measures.

### Susan Gird

Medium during the séance; reveals town history and her mother's psychic legacy.

### Otto Zoberg

Genial doctor who encourages the séance; is chained alongside Wills and Susan.

### Mr. Gird

Susan's father and local justice; initially reluctant, he becomes a victim of the manifested creature.

### Keith Pursuivant

Mentioned as the only attorney in town, a retired judge living past the Devil's Croft.

## Key lines

> That thing isn't my daughter—

The creature attacking Gird is not his daughter Susan.

_Gird's horrified scream as the monster leaps upon him, confirming the entity is not Susan._

> Why, I stopped thinking of marriage when I was fourteen!

Susan has not considered marriage since she was a young teenager.

_Susan's response to Wills's tactless question about her marrying, indicating her detachment from conventional life._

## Links

- HTML: https://www.betterreads.online/discover/short_fiction_37_se/chapters/iii-that-thing-isn-t-my-daughter
- Book: https://www.betterreads.online/discover/short_fiction_37_se
- All chapters: https://www.betterreads.online/discover/short_fiction_37_se/chapters