The Twin Detectives; or, The Robbers of the Tomb

This issue of "The Secret Service Series" (No. 4, February 1888) features "The Twin Detectives; or, The Robbers of the Tomb" by K. Bell. The narrative concerns the theft of the Earl of Cuthbert's body from a family vault in Scotland. Scotland Yard sends two detectives: the methodical Bates and the deceptively innocent-appearing Bob Brierly, known for his clever disguises. While investigating the desecrated coffin, Bob discovers a stocking-footed footprint, which he documents and then obliterates. The earl suspects a complete amateur; meanwhile, the detectives pursue separate leads—Bates heading to seaports assuming ocean escape. The story introduces Malcolm McLean, the dead earl's trusted steward, bound by deathbed instructions to serve the heir, Lord Nugent. A stranger named George Hayden appears seeking work as gamekeeper, presenting excellent references. McLean accepts him as a lodger at twenty shillings weekly, considering the man's respectful manner and pious devotion to his mother.