From the INTRODUCTION.
ASHTON-KIRK is a young man of means and position. The unusual has a sort of fascination for him; his subtle perception, and keen, direct habit of mind cause him to delight in the investigation of those crimes which have proved too shadowy for the police.
In "Ashton-Kirk, Investigator," another book dealing with his experiences, he was concerned with the strange case of the murder of the numismatist, Hume. In "Secret Agent," he was involved in a crisis between two nations; and a great war was averted by his skill and ready courage.
In this volume, he is called upon by an ancient friend who has been plunged into an appalling series of circumstances of which he can make nothing, except that all concerned are in immediate and deadly peril. And it is here shown how the special detective's acute mind, deft manipulation and resourcefulness warded off a terrible danger.