4 MARCH 1882, Page 3

Sonie light has at last been thrown on the theft

of the body of Lord Crawford. The police of Aberdeenshire believe, on the -evidence of letters demanding ransom, that the body was stolen for plunder only, and that the active agent was one Kirkwood, a confidential servant of the late lord, employed in his scientific -experiments. The letters mentioned that a sum of £6,000 must be paid, and that the body was still in Aberdeenshire, but no hint of its actual whereabouts has yet been given. The thieves evidently still believe, in spite of repeated assurances, that rather than lose the body a heavy ransom will be paid. They must be guided by some private knowledge of the grief they have caused. Kirkwood has been arrested, but as yet, as -usual in Scotland, the proceedings are secret.