Peter Matlin was first killed by a mob in 1671 after he had murdered the local vicar. Lyman Kurlow witnessed his death and released the newly immortal Matlin from his grave. This was the beginning of a 300-year partnership between two like-minded criminals. Conveniently, Johnny, a soldier who had recently returned home, stumbled by drunk and was knocked unconscious by Matlin and Kurlow. They put the farewell letters of the victim in Johnny's pocket. Matlin and Kurlow rightly assumed that Johnny would be accused of their crime.