Second issue, with 1879 on title page. A Haycraft-Queen cornerstone. Although the book was preceded by 'The Dead Letter' (1867), this is the first important American detective novel since Poe's 'Purloined Letter' (1844). A crime novel with a murdered wealthy man, suspicious attractive young female heirs, clever men tracking down clues, a gun, handkerchief and letter, and finally a surprise confession. Two folded facsimile illustrations tipped in.