A. Carle Palm

A general store clerk and aspiring detective investigates a mysterious disappearance that took place quite close to an empty insane asylum.

The story centers around two small statuettes containing valuable emeralds, which are said to project a sinister influence on the possessor. The czar of Russia gives the statuettes to a grand duke, who, in turn, gives them to his secretary, John Hawksley. Hawksley sends them to America in a friend's possession and follows after.