The Annoying Red Planet

When Henri Gaston is found in the upper limbs of a large tree in a farmer's field and there are no footprints in the freshly ploughed soil. Detective Murdoch and Constable Crabtree are perplexed. Constable Crabtree thinks that Martians might be involved. When he learns that Mr. Gaston had refused to sell his land, Detective Murdoch turns his attention to more human suspects. After getting close to solving Mr. Gaston's murder, Inspector Brackenreid informs them that they are to cease all investigation in the matter under penalty of death by hanging for treason.