b/w Shortly after the execution of the cheque forger and murderer Shelton, those involved in his death are killed one after the other in a sinister way - just as Shelton had threatened to do before his death. Scotland Yard is powerless: Despite extensive security measures, no one seems to be able to escape his fate. Who is the mysterious stranger who always raises his claw-like curved hand threateningly at the scene of the incident and disappears again shortly afterwards? When Shelton's grave is opened and only the death list is found inside, the anxious question arises as to whether Shelton might not be dead at all? The young Chief Inspector Long finally finds a ring and a strange painting that seem to be the key to the mystery.