Chapter I: Preface

The tales included in this volume possess a remarkable degree of literary merit, which renders no apology necessary for their appearance before the public at this time. The Detective Policeman is in some respects peculiar to England--one of the developments of the last twenty-five years. He differs as much from the informer and spy of the continent of Europe as the modern Protective Policeman does from the old-fashioned Watchman. His occupation is of the most exciting and dangerous character, calling into requisition patient endurance and skilful diplomacy. In ferreting out the legitimate objects of justice, his record is full of "hair-breadth 'scapes," which lend a strong odor of the romantic to his life.

We think that the reader, after having perused the following pages, will unite with us in the remark, that the _true_ stories contained therein have never been equalled for thrilling interest by any productions of modern fiction.

CONTENTS.

PAGE
THE GAMBLER 5

GUILTY OR NOT GUILTY 20

X, Y, Z 42

THE WIDOW 61

THE TWINS 82

THE PURSUIT 95

LEGAL METAMORPHOSES 109

THE REVENGE 127

MARY KINGSFORD 144

FLINT JACKSON 165

MODERN SCIENCE OF THIEF TAKING 189

THE DETECTIVE POLICE PARTY 202

THREE "DETECTIVE" ANECDOTES 227

THE MARTYRS OF CHANCERY 239

LAW AT A LOW PRICE 247

THE LAW 261

THE DUTIES OF WITNESSES AND JURYMEN 265

BANK NOTE FORGERIES 280

DOOM OF ENGLISH WILLS 313

DISAPPEARANCES 349

LOADED DICE 361