The Insidious Dr. Fu-Manchu · Chapter
The Zayat Kiss explained
Nayland Smith reveals to Dr.
What happens
Nayland Smith reveals to Dr. Petrie that Sir Crichton Davey was killed by a giant venomous centipede, which he calls the 'Zayat Kiss.' He explains his theory that Fu-Manchu uses a rare green orchid's scent to attract the creature, and that a dacoit lowered it down the chimney using a weighted line. Smith and Petrie set a trap in Petrie's rooms, using a perfumed envelope as bait. At 2:15 AM, a dacoit appears at the window and drops a box containing the centipede. Smith kills it with a golf club, confirming the mechanism of the Zayat Kiss.
Themes in this chapter
Science and Occultism
Smith uses scientific reasoning to deduce the centipede's method of attack, blending forensic analysis with the exotic horror of the Zayat Kiss.
Fear and Paranoia
The silent, invisible threat of the centipede and the dacoit's surveillance create an atmosphere of constant dread.
Yellow Peril
Fu-Manchu's orchestration of the attack and the dacoit's portrayal reinforce the era's xenophobic fears of Eastern criminal genius.
Characters to notice
- Nayland Smith
Explains the Zayat Kiss and his theory about the centipede; sets a trap and kills the creature.
- Dr. Petrie
Narrates the events; assists Smith in the vigil and observes the centipede.
- Dr. Fu-Manchu
Implied as the mastermind behind the Zayat Kiss and the dacoit attack.
- Sir Crichton Davey
Mentioned as the victim of the Zayat Kiss; his death is analyzed by Smith.
- Karamanèh
Referred to as the woman who delivered the scented envelope; Smith speculates she is Fu-Manchu's daughter, wife, or slave.
Key passages
“He died of the Zayat Kiss. Ask me what that is and I reply 'I do not know.'”
Smith admits he doesn't fully understand the Zayat Kiss, but he has a theory about it.
Smith explains the mysterious cause of Sir Crichton's death.
“It was an insect, full six inches long, and of a vivid, venomous, red color!”
The creature was a bright red, six-inch-long insect, later identified as a giant centipede.
Petrie describes the centipede that was dropped into the room.
“We know now what causes the mark of the Zayat Kiss. Therefore science is richer for our first brush with the enemy, and the enemy is poorer”
Smith declares that understanding the centipede is a scientific victory over Fu-Manchu.
Smith reflects on the knowledge gained from the encounter.