Edgar Rice Burroughs
English
Professor Arthur Maxon, a wealthy biologist, achieves the impossible: the chemical reproduction of life. His success, however, leads to a horrifying predicament when his latest creation, a grotesque, misshapen being, expires shortly after creation, leaving him with a corpse and no plausible explanation for the authorities. Fearing the consequences, Maxon destroys the evidence and flees with his daughter, Virginia, to Singapore. Despite his initial resolve to abandon his work, he becomes consumed by the desire to further his experiments. He plans to establish a secluded laboratory on one of the Pamarung Islands in the East Indies. Virginia, noticing a change in her father's demeanor and a growing secrecy about his work, senses a growing distance between them. In Singapore, she learns from Dr. von Horn, her father's associate, that they are to relocate to a remote island. Upon arriving at their chosen island, Professor Maxon begins constructing his laboratory and living quarters. Virginia, feeling increasingly isolated and disturbed by her father's obsessive focus on his experiments, narrowly escapes an attack by pirates, saved by the quick thinking of the Chinese cook, Sing Lee, and her own bravery in using a machine gun. Meanwhile, von Horn harbors his own agenda, aiming to marry Virginia for her inheritance and foil her father's ambitions. He manipulates events, even hinting at the horror of the professor's creations, while also secretly plotting with the Malay mate, Bududreen. As Professor Maxon perfects his creations, referred to as 'Numbers,' he plans to marry Virginia to Number Thirteen, a physically perfect but soulless being. Von Horn, horrified by this prospect and driven by his own desires, attempts to sabotage Maxon's work and alienate Virginia. He reveals the truth of Maxon's experiments to Virginia, hoping to gain her trust and persuade her to flee with him. Amidst this, Number One, an earlier, grotesque creation, escapes into the jungle and attacks Virginia. She is saved by Number Thirteen, who battles the creature and brings her back to camp. The professor, still consumed by his work, sees Number Thirteen as the ideal mate for Virginia, while von Horn continues his manipulations, eventually plotting with Bududreen to betray Maxon. A mutiny is brewing among the crew, fueled by Bududreen and the knowledge of Maxon's creations. Von Horn, seeing his plans jeopardized, attempts to force Virginia to leave with him, but she refuses. The island is attacked by pirates led by Muda Saffir, and in the ensuing chaos, various factions vie for control, including the escaped monsters and the treasure chest. Number Thirteen, increasingly aware of his own nature and driven by his affection for Virginia, fights to protect her and confront his creator's machinations. He learns from Sing that he is not a creation of Maxon's but rather a human named Townsend J. Harper Jr., who was found by Maxon after a shipwreck. Meanwhile, von Horn's treachery is revealed, and he is ultimately killed by Dyak warriors. Professor Maxon's experiments are brought to a halt as the treasure chest, containing scientific books, is buried. Virginia and Bulan (Harper) are rescued by the U.S. Navy, and they leave the island, their future uncertain but hopeful.
