Comic Title: House of Secrets #48
Publisher: DC (National Comics Publications, Inc.)
Address: 575 Lexington Avenue, New York, NY
Cover Date: September 1961
On Sale Date: July 25, 1961 Copyright Date July 25, 1961
Source: Library of Congress, Periodicals 1961


Frequency: Monthly
Cover Price: $0.10
Page Count: 32
Editor: Jack Schiff

Title: "Beware the Guardian Beast"
Pages: 9

Feature(s):
Mark Merlin (of Earth-1)

Penciller: Mort Meskin
Inker: George Roussos

Feature Character(s)

• Mark Merlin (last appearance in House of Secrets #47; next appearance in House of Secrets #49)

Supporting Character(s)

• Elsa Magusson (last appearance in House of Secrets #47; next appearance in House of Secrets #49)

Villain(s)

• A guardian beast (no further appearances)

Other Character(s)

• Jason (an archaeologist; no further appearances)
• Two guides (no further appearances)

Synopsis:
Mark Merlin helps his friend Jason locate several lost ancient scrolls. The scrolls are located in a mountain cavern guarded by a beast. The creature chases them away, but Elsa manages to befriend it. However, she also turns against Mark and begins guarding the cave.

When Mark notices a mist near the cave, he lures the creature into a ravine. He then orders Jason to use their airplane engines to blow away the mist. Once the air clears, Elsa returns to normal. The trio finally enter the cave only to discover that the scrolls have long since crumbled into dust.