In "The Country of the Knife" by Robert E. Howard, Francis X. Gordon, also known as "El Borak," ventures into the perilous hills of Afghanistan to rescue a kidnapped American woman. Facing treacherous tribes, political intrigue, and deadly enemies, Gordon relies on his cunning and combat skills to navigate a land where betrayal and violence reign. The tale blends action, exoticism, and suspense in Howard's signature pulp style.