Professor Braddock, a dedicated archaeologist, pays a heavy price to acquire a rare Peruvian green mummy from Malta. Entrusting the transport of the artifact to his assistant, Sidney Bolton, Braddock eagerly awaits its delivery to his isolated home. However, when the package finally arrives, it does not contain the mummy at all, but rather the strangled corpse of Bolton. The police, led by local authorities, are completely baffled, and the investigation stalls as no direct clues point to the killer. The stolen mummy vanishes entirely, leaving the village of Gartley in a state of tense suspense and fear.
As the days pass, various characters enter the fray with their own motives and connections to the artifact. Don Pedro de Gayangos, a Peruvian gentleman claiming royal Inca descent, arrives in England to claim the mummy, revealing that two priceless emeralds were hidden inside it. Meanwhile, young artist Archie Hope, engaged to Braddock's step-daughter Lucy, finds himself entangled in the financial and emotional fallout of the household. Suspicions fall on several individuals, including Captain Hervey, who points an accusing finger at the charming and popular Sir Frank Random. Random has his own complicated romantic ties, further muddying the waters.
The mystery deepens when the mummy is unexpectedly discovered hidden in the garden of Mrs. Jasher, a local widow soon to be married to the Professor. Upon inspecting the recovered artifact, Braddock and Don Pedro discover that the emeralds have indeed been torn from the dead hands, confirming that greed was the primary motive for the murder. The narrative weaves together themes of academic obsession, hidden treasures, and personal loyalties as the characters strive to uncover the truth.
As the investigation continues, loyalties are tested and long-buried secrets come to light. The search for the real assassin narrows down as testimonies are re-examined and unexpected items, such as a mysterious Latin manuscript, appear in unlikely places. Though shadows of doubt are cast on innocent people, the resolve to find the culprit remains strong among the residents of Gartley.
The story heads toward a delicate resolution where romantic futures are secured and the darker elements of human nature are brought to the surface. While the path to justice is fraught with false leads and conflicting testimonies, the relentless pursuit of the truth by those involved promises to lay the ghost of the past to rest.
