The gallery gods

by Murray Leinster

"The Gallery Gods" by Murray Leinster is a suspenseful short story that blends themes of crime and psychological tension, written in the early 20th century. This narrative follows William Beckwith, a man who takes pride in having killed a prominent figure, Hugh Conway, and his astonishment at discovering that no news of the murder has circulated, suggesting a larger conspiracy that defies public scrutiny. The story unfolds with Beckwith relishing the thought of his crime being revealed and the subsequent notoriety it would bring him. However, he is faced with the mysterious silence of the press regarding Conway's murder, leading him into a spiral of paranoia and desperation. As he travels back to New York, hoping to validate the death of the man he killed, he unwittingly falls into a trap set by the police commissioner, Wells. In a dramatic twist, Beckwith learns that his actions have placed him exactly where Wells wanted him, culminating in his arrest while the press captures his humiliation. The narrative delves into themes of ego, the pursuit of fame, and the ultimate consequence of one's actions when trying to defy societal expectations.