Easy to read full book summaries for any book.
The book revolves around the mysterious death of Lane Fleming, a wealthy businessman and collector of antique pistols. Colonel Jefferson Davis Rand, a private detective and expert in antique firearms, is hired by Fleming's wife, Gladys, to catalog and appraise the collection. However, Rand soon discovers that several valuable pistols are missing from the collection, and he suspects that the thefts may be connected to Fleming's death. As Rand investigates further, he uncovers a web of secrets and motives among the people closest to Fleming, including his family members and business associates. The story takes a surprising turn when Arnold Rivers, a notorious antique arms dealer, is found murdered, and Rand must navigate a complex case involving theft, murder, and deception. Throughout the book, Rand meets with various characters, including Stephen Gresham, a lawyer and friend, Karen Lawrence, a general antique dealer, and Jason Kirchner, the coroner. He discovers that Rivers was killed with a German Mauser rifle and that his card-index system for recording transactions was destroyed in a fire. Rand suspects that the killer may have been trying to cover up a crime, possibly related to the theft of the pistols. As the investigation unfolds, Rand discovers that several people had motives to kill Fleming and Rivers, including Fred Dunmore, Anton Varcek, and Humphrey Goode. Rand's investigation leads him to suspect that Dunmore may have been involved in the murders, but he needs more evidence to prove it. Eventually, Rand sets a trap for the killer, using himself as bait, and the killer is revealed to be Fred Dunmore, one of Fleming's business associates. Dunmore had been trying to acquire the Fleming collection and had murdered Fleming to get it. He had also murdered Rivers when the latter discovered that Dunmore had used one of Rivers' guns to commit the crime. The book concludes with Rand reflecting on the case and the lessons he learned from it, including the importance of considering all possibilities and not jumping to conclusions. Rand also solves the mystery of the stolen pistols and recovers them, bringing closure to the case. The story highlights Rand's skills and expertise as a detective and his ability to navigate complex cases and uncover the truth.
The story revolves around the mysterious death of Lane Fleming, a wealthy businessman and collector of antique pistols. His wife, Gladys, hires private detective and pistol expert Colonel Jefferson Davis Rand to catalog and appraise the collection, as well as negotiate its sale. However, Rand soon discovers that several valuable pistols are missing from the collection, and he suspects that the thefts may be connected to Fleming's death. As Rand investigates further, he uncovers a web of secrets and motives among the people closest to Fleming, including his family members and business associates. The story takes a surprising turn when Arnold Rivers, a notorious antique arms dealer, is found murdered, and Rand must navigate a complex case involving theft, murder, and deception.
The story continues with Colonel Jefferson Davis Rand, a private detective and pistol expert, investigating the theft of pistols from the Lane Fleming collection and the murder of Arnold Rivers, a notorious antique arms dealer. Rand discovers that Rivers was killed with a German Mauser rifle and that his card-index system for recording transactions was destroyed in a fire. Rand suspects that the killer may have been trying to cover up a crime, possibly related to the theft of the pistols. He also learns that Rivers had been trying to buy the Fleming collection and had offered a high price for it. Rand meets with Stephen Gresham, a lawyer and friend, to discuss the case and learns that Gresham had seen the Fleming collection before Fleming's death and had noticed that some of the best items were missing. Rand decides to investigate the Fleming household and discovers that the butler, Walters, may have been involved in the theft of the pistols. Rand also meets with Karen Lawrence, a general antique dealer, and learns that she had been planning to start an arms business with her fiancé, Pierre Jarrett, using the Fleming collection. Rand informs Karen about Rivers' death and she reacts with surprise and shock. Rand then visits the coroner, Jason Kirchner, to retrieve the pistol that had been used in Fleming's death, which Kirchner had been holding as evidence. Rand is able to obtain the pistol and a letter from Kirchner verifying its authenticity, which could increase its value as a collector's item.
Colonel Jefferson Davis Rand, a private detective and pistol expert, is investigating the theft of pistols from the Lane Fleming collection and the murder of Arnold Rivers, a notorious antique arms dealer. Rand discovers that Rivers was killed with a German Mauser rifle and that his card-index system for recording transactions was destroyed in a fire. Rand suspects that the killer may have been trying to cover up a crime, possibly related to the theft of the pistols. He also learns that Rivers had been trying to buy the Fleming collection and had offered a high price for it. Rand meets with Stephen Gresham, a lawyer and friend, to discuss the case and learns that Gresham had seen the Fleming collection before Fleming's death and had noticed that some of the best items were missing. Rand decides to investigate the Fleming household and discovers that the butler, Walters, may have been involved in the theft of the pistols. Rand also meets with Karen Lawrence, a general antique dealer, and learns that she had been planning to start an arms business with her fiancé, Pierre Jarrett, using the Fleming collection. Rand informs Karen about Rivers' death and she reacts with surprise and shock. Rand then visits the coroner, Jason Kirchner, to retrieve the pistol that had been used in Fleming's death, which Kirchner had been holding as evidence. Rand is able to obtain the pistol and a letter from Kirchner verifying its authenticity, which could increase its value as a collector's item.
Colonel Jefferson Davis Rand, a private detective and pistol expert, is investigating the theft of pistols from the Lane Fleming collection and the murder of Arnold Rivers, a notorious antique arms dealer. Rand discovers that Rivers was killed with a German Mauser rifle and that his card-index system for recording transactions was destroyed in a fire. Rand suspects that the killer may have been trying to cover up a crime, possibly related to the theft of the pistols. He meets with Stephen Gresham, a lawyer and friend, to discuss the case and learns that Gresham had seen the Fleming collection before Fleming's death and had noticed that some of the best items were missing. Rand decides to investigate the Fleming household and discovers that the butler, Walters, may have been involved in the theft of the pistols. Rand also meets with Karen Lawrence, a general antique dealer, and learns that she had been planning to start an arms business with her fiancé, Pierre Jarrett, using the Fleming collection. Rand informs Karen about Rivers' death and she reacts with surprise and shock. Rand then visits the coroner, Jason Kirchner, to retrieve the pistol that had been used in Fleming's death, which Kirchner had been holding as evidence. Rand is able to obtain the pistol and a letter from Kirchner verifying its authenticity, which could increase its value as a collector's item.
Colonel Jefferson Davis Rand, a private detective and expert in antique firearms, is investigating the theft of pistols from the Lane Fleming collection and the murder of Arnold Rivers, a notorious antique arms dealer. Rand discovers that Rivers was killed with a German Mauser rifle and that his card-index system for recording transactions was destroyed in a fire. Rand suspects that the killer may have been trying to cover up a crime, possibly related to the theft of the pistols. He also learns that Rivers had been trying to buy the Fleming collection and had offered a high price for it. Rand meets with Stephen Gresham, a lawyer and friend, to discuss the case and learns that Gresham had seen the Fleming collection before Fleming's death and had noticed that some of the best items were missing. Rand decides to investigate the Fleming household and discovers that the butler, Walters, may have been involved in the theft of the pistols. Rand also meets with Karen Lawrence, a general antique dealer, and learns that she had been planning to start an arms business with her fiancé, Pierre Jarrett, using the Fleming collection. Rand informs Karen about Rivers' death and she reacts with surprise and shock. Rand then visits the coroner, Jason Kirchner, to retrieve the pistol that had been used in Fleming's death, which Kirchner had been holding as evidence. Rand is able to obtain the pistol and a letter from Kirchner verifying its authenticity, which could increase its value as a collector's item.
Colonel Jefferson Davis Rand, a private detective and expert in antique firearms, is investigating the theft of pistols from the Lane Fleming collection and the murder of Arnold Rivers, a notorious antique arms dealer. Rand discovers that Rivers was killed with a German Mauser rifle and that his card-index system for recording transactions was destroyed in a fire. Rand suspects that the killer may have been trying to cover up a crime, possibly related to the theft of the pistols. He also learns that Rivers had been trying to buy the Fleming collection and had offered a high price for it. Rand meets with Stephen Gresham, a lawyer and friend, to discuss the case and learns that Gresham had seen the Fleming collection before Fleming's death and had noticed that some of the best items were missing. Rand decides to investigate the Fleming household and discovers that the butler, Walters, may have been involved in the theft of the pistols. Rand also meets with Karen Lawrence, a general antique dealer, and learns that she had been planning to start an arms business with her fiancé, Pierre Jarrett, using the Fleming collection. Rand informs Karen about Rivers' death and she reacts with surprise and shock. Rand then visits the coroner, Jason Kirchner, to retrieve the pistol that had been used in Fleming's death, which Kirchner had been holding as evidence. Rand is able to obtain the pistol and a letter from Kirchner verifying its authenticity, which could increase its value as a collector's item.
Colonel Jefferson Davis Rand, a private detective and pistol expert, is investigating the theft of pistols from the Lane Fleming collection and the murder of Arnold Rivers, a notorious antique arms dealer. Rand discovers that several valuable pistols are missing from the collection, and he suspects that the thefts may be connected to Fleming's death. As Rand delves deeper into the case, he uncovers a web of secrets and motives among the people closest to Fleming, including his family members and business associates. Rand visits Arnold Rivers' antique arms shop, where he meets Rivers' clerk, Cecil Gillis. Rand purchases a Confederate Leech & Rigdon revolver from Rivers, but later discovers that Rivers tried to buy it back from him. Rand also meets with Stephen Gresham, a lawyer and friend, to discuss the case and learns that Gresham had seen the Fleming collection before Fleming's death and had noticed that some of the best items were missing. Rand decides to investigate the Fleming household and discovers that the butler, Walters, may have been involved in the theft of the pistols. Rand also meets with Karen Lawrence, a general antique dealer, and learns that she had been planning to start an arms business with her fiancé, Pierre Jarrett, using the Fleming collection. As Rand continues his investigation, he discovers that Arnold Rivers has been murdered, and the police are looking for suspects. Rand finds a card-index system for recording transactions in Rivers' shop, which may hold clues to the murder. He also discovers that the killer may have been trying to cover up a crime by burning Rivers' record-cards. Rand's investigation leads him to suspect that the butler, Walters, may be involved in the theft of the pistols and the murder of Rivers. He also considers the possibility that Rivers' killer may have been someone who was trying to stop him from revealing information about the Fleming collection. The story takes a surprising turn when Rand discovers that the coroner, Jason Kirchner, has the pistol that was used in Fleming's death, and Rand is able to retrieve it. He also obtains a letter from Kirchner verifying the authenticity of the pistol, which could increase its value as a collector's item. As Rand continues to investigate, he meets with Stephen Gresham and his associates, who are interested in purchasing the Fleming collection. Rand learns that Gresham and his friends are willing to pay a high price for the collection, but they are hesitant to bid against Rivers' offer. The story raises questions about the value of the Fleming collection, the motives of the characters, and the identity of the killer. Rand's investigation is ongoing, and he is determined to uncover the truth behind the theft of the pistols and the murder of Arnold Rivers.
Colonel Jefferson Davis Rand, a private detective and expert in antique firearms, is investigating the theft of pistols from the Lane Fleming collection and the murder of Arnold Rivers, a notorious antique arms dealer. Rand discovers that Rivers was killed with a German Mauser rifle and that his card-index system for recording transactions was destroyed in a fire. Rand suspects that the killer may have been trying to cover up a crime, possibly related to the theft of the pistols. He also learns that Rivers had been trying to buy the Fleming collection and had offered a high price for it. Rand meets with Stephen Gresham, a lawyer and friend, to discuss the case and learns that Gresham had seen the Fleming collection before Fleming's death and had noticed that some of the best items were missing. Rand decides to investigate the Fleming household and discovers that the butler, Walters, may have been involved in the theft of the pistols. Rand also meets with Karen Lawrence, a general antique dealer, and learns that she had been planning to start an arms business with her fiancé, Pierre Jarrett, using the Fleming collection. Rand informs Karen about Rivers' death and she reacts with surprise and shock. Rand then visits the coroner, Jason Kirchner, to retrieve the pistol that had been used in Fleming's death, which Kirchner had been holding as evidence. Rand is able to obtain the pistol and a letter from Kirchner verifying its authenticity, which could increase its value as a collector's item. As Rand continues his investigation, he discovers that Arnold Rivers has been murdered, and the police are looking for suspects. Rand finds a card-index system for recording transactions in Rivers' shop, which may hold clues to the murder. He also discovers that the killer may have been trying to cover up a crime by burning Rivers' record-cards. Rand's investigation leads him to suspect that the butler, Walters, may be involved in the theft of the pistols and the murder of Rivers. He also considers the possibility that Rivers' killer may have been someone who was trying to stop him from revealing information about the Fleming collection. The story takes a surprising turn when Rand discovers that the coroner, Jason Kirchner, has the pistol that was used in Fleming's death, and Rand is able to retrieve it. He also obtains a letter from Kirchner verifying the authenticity of the pistol, which could increase its value as a collector's item. As Rand continues to investigate, he meets with Stephen Gresham and his associates, who are interested in purchasing the Fleming collection. Rand learns that Gresham and his friends are willing to pay a high price for the collection, but they are hesitant to bid against Rivers' offer. The story raises questions about the value of the Fleming collection, the motives of the characters, and the identity of the killer. Rand's investigation is ongoing, and he is determined to uncover the truth behind the theft of the pistols and the murder of Arnold Rivers.
Colonel Jefferson Davis Rand, a private detective and expert in antique firearms, is investigating the theft of pistols from the Lane Fleming collection and the murder of Arnold Rivers, a notorious antique arms dealer. Rand discovers that Rivers was killed with a German Mauser rifle and that his card-index system for recording transactions was destroyed in a fire. Rand suspects that the killer may have been trying to cover up a crime, possibly related to the theft of the pistols. He also learns that Rivers had been trying to buy the Fleming collection and had offered a high price for it. Rand meets with Stephen Gresham, a lawyer and friend, to discuss the case and learns that Gresham had seen the Fleming collection before Fleming's death and had noticed that some of the best items were missing. Rand decides to investigate the Fleming household and discovers that the butler, Walters, may have been involved in the theft of the pistols. Rand also meets with Karen Lawrence, a general antique dealer, and learns that she had been planning to start an arms business with her fiancé, Pierre Jarrett, using the Fleming collection. Rand informs Karen about Rivers' death and she reacts with surprise and shock. Rand then visits the coroner, Jason Kirchner, to retrieve the pistol that had been used in Fleming's death, which Kirchner had been holding as evidence. Rand is able to obtain the pistol and a letter from Kirchner verifying its authenticity, which could increase its value as a collector's item. As Rand continues his investigation, he discovers that Arnold Rivers has been murdered, and the police are looking for suspects. Rand finds a card-index system for recording transactions in Rivers' shop, which may hold clues to the murder. He also discovers that the killer may have been trying to cover up a crime by burning Rivers' record-cards. Rand's investigation leads him to suspect that the butler, Walters, may be involved in the theft of the pistols and the murder of Rivers. He also considers the possibility that Rivers' killer may have been someone who was trying to stop him from revealing information about the Fleming collection. The story takes a surprising turn when Rand discovers that the coroner, Jason Kirchner, has the pistol that was used in Fleming's death, and Rand is able to retrieve it. He also obtains a letter from Kirchner verifying the authenticity of the pistol, which could increase its value as a collector's item. As Rand continues to investigate, he meets with Stephen Gresham and his associates, who are interested in purchasing the Fleming collection. Rand learns that Gresham and his friends are willing to pay a high price for the collection, but they are hesitant to bid against Rivers' offer. The story raises questions about the value of the Fleming collection, the motives of the characters, and the identity of the killer. Rand's investigation is ongoing, and he is determined to uncover the truth behind the theft of the pistols and the murder of Arnold Rivers.
Chapter 10 of the book "Murder in the Gunroom" by H. Beam Piper continues the story of Colonel Jefferson Davis Rand, a private detective and expert in antique firearms, as he investigates the theft of pistols from the Lane Fleming collection and the murder of Arnold Rivers, a notorious antique arms dealer. Rand visits Rivers' shop and finds his body, which leads to an investigation by the State Police. Rand shares his findings with Sergeant McKenna, who is in charge of the case, and they discuss possible suspects and motives. Rand also visits Karen Lawrence, a general antique dealer, and informs her of Rivers' death, and she reacts with surprise and shock. The chapter ends with Rand meeting with Stephen Gresham, a lawyer and friend, to discuss the case and the potential sale of the Fleming collection.
Colonel Jefferson Davis Rand, a private detective and expert in antique firearms, is investigating the theft of pistols from the Lane Fleming collection and the murder of Arnold Rivers, a notorious antique arms dealer. Rand visits Rivers' shop and finds his body, which leads to an investigation by the State Police. Rand shares his findings with Sergeant McKenna, who is in charge of the case, and they discuss possible suspects and motives. Rand also visits Karen Lawrence, a general antique dealer, and informs her of Rivers' death, and she reacts with surprise and shock. The chapter ends with Rand meeting with Stephen Gresham, a lawyer and friend, to discuss the case and the potential sale of the Fleming collection.
The story revolves around the mysterious death of Lane Fleming, a wealthy businessman and collector of antique pistols. His wife, Gladys, hires private detective and pistol expert Colonel Jefferson Davis Rand to catalog and appraise the collection, as well as negotiate its sale. However, Rand soon discovers that several valuable pistols are missing from the collection, and he suspects that the thefts may be connected to Fleming's death. As Rand investigates further, he uncovers a web of secrets and motives among the people closest to Fleming, including his family members and business associates. The story takes a surprising turn when Arnold Rivers, a notorious antique arms dealer, is found murdered, and Rand must navigate a complex case involving theft, murder, and deception. Rand's investigation leads him to suspect that the butler, Walters, may be involved in the theft of the pistols and the murder of Rivers. He also considers the possibility that Rivers' killer may have been someone who was trying to stop him from revealing information about the Fleming collection. The story raises questions about the value of the Fleming collection, the motives of the characters, and the identity of the killer. As the investigation unfolds, Rand discovers that Rivers was killed with a German Mauser rifle and that his card-index system for recording transactions was destroyed in a fire. Rand suspects that the killer may have been trying to cover up a crime, possibly related to the theft of the pistols. He also learns that Rivers had been trying to buy the Fleming collection and had offered a high price for it. The story takes another turn when Rand visits the coroner, Jason Kirchner, to retrieve the pistol that had been used in Fleming's death, which Kirchner had been holding as evidence. Rand is able to obtain the pistol and a letter from Kirchner verifying its authenticity, which could increase its value as a collector's item. Rand's investigation continues, and he meets with Stephen Gresham, a lawyer and friend, to discuss the case and the potential sale of the Fleming collection. Rand learns that Gresham had seen the Fleming collection before Fleming's death and had noticed that some of the best items were missing. As the story progresses, Rand discovers that several people had motives to kill Fleming and Rivers, including Fred Dunmore, Anton Varcek, and Humphrey Goode. Rand's investigation leads him to suspect that Dunmore may have been involved in the murders, but he needs more evidence to prove it. In the end, Rand's investigation leads to a confrontation with the killer, and the truth about the murders is finally revealed. The story concludes with Rand reflecting on the case and the lessons he learned from it, including the importance of considering all possibilities and not jumping to conclusions.
Colonel Jefferson Davis Rand, a private detective and expert in antique firearms, is investigating the theft of pistols from the Lane Fleming collection and the murder of Arnold Rivers, a notorious antique arms dealer. Rand discovers that Rivers was killed with a German Mauser rifle and that his card-index system for recording transactions was destroyed in a fire. He also learns that Rivers had been trying to buy the Fleming collection and had offered a high price for it. Rand meets with Stephen Gresham, a lawyer and friend, to discuss the case and learns that Gresham had seen the Fleming collection before Fleming's death and had noticed that some of the best items were missing. Rand decides to investigate the Fleming household and discovers that the butler, Walters, may have been involved in the theft of the pistols. Rand also meets with Karen Lawrence, a general antique dealer, and learns that she had been planning to start an arms business with her fiancé, Pierre Jarrett, using the Fleming collection. Rand informs Karen about Rivers' death and she reacts with surprise and shock. Rand then visits the coroner, Jason Kirchner, to retrieve the pistol that had been used in Fleming's death, which Kirchner had been holding as evidence. Rand is able to obtain the pistol and a letter from Kirchner verifying its authenticity, which could increase its value as a collector's item. As Rand continues his investigation, he meets with Stephen Gresham and his associates, who are interested in purchasing the Fleming collection. Rand learns that Gresham and his friends are willing to pay a high price for the collection, but they are hesitant to bid against Rivers' offer. The story raises questions about the value of the Fleming collection, the motives of the characters, and the identity of the killer. Rand's investigation is ongoing, and he is determined to uncover the truth behind the theft of the pistols and the murder of Arnold Rivers.
The story revolves around the mysterious death of Lane Fleming, a wealthy businessman and collector of antique pistols. Colonel Jefferson Davis Rand, a private detective and expert in antique firearms, is hired by Fleming's wife, Gladys, to catalog and appraise the collection. However, Rand soon discovers that several valuable pistols are missing from the collection, and he suspects that the thefts may be connected to Fleming's death. As Rand investigates further, he uncovers a web of secrets and motives among the people closest to Fleming, including his family members and business associates. The story takes a surprising turn when Arnold Rivers, a notorious antique arms dealer, is found murdered, and Rand must navigate a complex case involving theft, murder, and deception. Rand's investigation leads him to suspect that the butler, Walters, may be involved in the theft of the pistols and the murder of Rivers. However, as the story unfolds, Rand discovers that the truth is more complex and surprising. The case is eventually solved when Rand sets a trap for the killer, using himself as bait, and the killer is revealed to be Fred Dunmore, one of Fleming's business associates. Dunmore had been trying to acquire the Fleming collection and had murdered Fleming to get it. He had also murdered Rivers when the latter discovered that Dunmore had used one of Rivers' guns to commit the crime. The story concludes with Rand reflecting on the case and the lessons he learned from it, including the importance of considering all possibilities and not jumping to conclusions.
Colonel Jefferson Davis Rand, a private detective and expert in antique firearms, is investigating the theft of pistols from the Lane Fleming collection and the murder of Arnold Rivers, a notorious antique arms dealer. Rand's investigation leads him to suspect that the butler, Walters, may be involved in the theft of the pistols and the murder of Rivers. However, as the story unfolds, Rand discovers that the truth is more complex and surprising. The case is eventually solved when Rand sets a trap for the killer, using himself as bait, and the killer is revealed to be Fred Dunmore, one of Fleming's business associates. Dunmore had been trying to acquire the Fleming collection and had murdered Fleming to get it. He had also murdered Rivers when the latter discovered that Dunmore had used one of Rivers' guns to commit the crime.
The story continues with Colonel Jefferson Davis Rand investigating the theft of pistols from the Lane Fleming collection and the murder of Arnold Rivers, a notorious antique arms dealer. Rand visits Rivers' shop and finds his body, which leads to an investigation by the State Police. Rand shares his findings with Sergeant McKenna and they discuss possible suspects and motives. Rand also visits Karen Lawrence, a general antique dealer, and informs her of Rivers' death, and she reacts with surprise and shock. Rand's investigation leads him to suspect that the butler, Walters, may be involved in the theft of the pistols and the murder of Rivers. However, as the story unfolds, Rand discovers that the truth is more complex and surprising. The case is eventually solved when Rand sets a trap for the killer, using himself as bait, and the killer is revealed to be Fred Dunmore, one of Fleming's business associates. Dunmore had been trying to acquire the Fleming collection and had murdered Fleming to get it. He had also murdered Rivers when the latter discovered that Dunmore had used one of Rivers' guns to commit the crime. The story concludes with Rand reflecting on the case and the lessons he learned from it, including the importance of considering all possibilities and not jumping to conclusions. Rand also solves the mystery of the stolen pistols and recovers them, bringing closure to the case. In the end, Rand's investigation and actions lead to the downfall of the killer and the recovery of the stolen pistols, bringing justice to the victims and their families. The story highlights Rand's skills and expertise as a detective and his ability to navigate complex cases and uncover the truth.
Colonel Jefferson Davis Rand, a private detective and expert in antique firearms, is investigating the theft of pistols from the Lane Fleming collection and the murder of Arnold Rivers, a notorious antique arms dealer. Rand's investigation leads him to suspect that the butler, Walters, may be involved in the theft of the pistols and the murder of Rivers. However, as the story unfolds, Rand discovers that the truth is more complex and surprising. The case is eventually solved when Rand sets a trap for the killer, using himself as bait, and the killer is revealed to be Fred Dunmore, one of Fleming's business associates. Dunmore had been trying to acquire the Fleming collection and had murdered Fleming to get it. He had also murdered Rivers when the latter discovered that Dunmore had used one of Rivers' guns to commit the crime. The story concludes with Rand reflecting on the case and the lessons he learned from it, including the importance of considering all possibilities and not jumping to conclusions.
Colonel Jefferson Davis Rand is investigating the theft of pistols from the Lane Fleming collection and the murder of Arnold Rivers, a notorious antique arms dealer. Rand discovers that the butler, Walters, may have been involved in the theft of the pistols and the murder of Rivers. Rand meets with Stephen Gresham, a lawyer and friend, to discuss the case and learns that Gresham had seen the Fleming collection before Fleming's death and had noticed that some of the best items were missing. Rand decides to investigate the Fleming household and discovers that Walters may have been involved in the theft of the pistols. Rand also meets with Karen Lawrence, a general antique dealer, and learns that she had been planning to start an arms business with her fiancé, Pierre Jarrett, using the Fleming collection. Rand informs Karen about Rivers' death and she reacts with surprise and shock. Rand then visits the coroner, Jason Kirchner, to retrieve the pistol that had been used in Fleming's death, which Kirchner had been holding as evidence. Rand is able to obtain the pistol and a letter from Kirchner verifying its authenticity, which could increase its value as a collector's item. As Rand continues his investigation, he meets with Stephen Gresham and his associates, who are interested in purchasing the Fleming collection. Rand learns that Gresham and his friends are willing to pay a high price for the collection, but they are hesitant to bid against Rivers' offer. The story raises questions about the value of the Fleming collection, the motives of the characters, and the identity of the killer. Rand's investigation is ongoing, and he is determined to uncover the truth behind the theft of the pistols and the murder of Arnold Rivers. Rand eventually discovers that the killer is Fred Dunmore, one of Fleming's business associates, who had been trying to acquire the Fleming collection and had murdered Fleming to get it. He had also murdered Rivers when the latter discovered that Dunmore had used one of Rivers' guns to commit the crime. Rand sets a trap for Dunmore, using himself as bait, and Dunmore is revealed to be the killer. The case is solved, and Rand reflects on the lessons he learned from it, including the importance of considering all possibilities and not jumping to conclusions.
Colonel Jefferson Davis Rand, a private detective and expert in antique firearms, is investigating the theft of pistols from the Lane Fleming collection and the murder of Arnold Rivers, a notorious antique arms dealer. Rand discovers that Rivers was killed with a German Mauser rifle and that his card-index system for recording transactions was destroyed in a fire. He also learns that Rivers had been trying to buy the Fleming collection and had offered a high price for it. Rand meets with Stephen Gresham, a lawyer and friend, to discuss the case and learns that Gresham had seen the Fleming collection before Fleming's death and had noticed that some of the best items were missing. Rand decides to investigate the Fleming household and discovers that the butler, Walters, may have been involved in the theft of the pistols. Rand also meets with Karen Lawrence, a general antique dealer, and learns that she had been planning to start an arms business with her fiancé, Pierre Jarrett, using the Fleming collection. Rand informs Karen about Rivers' death and she reacts with surprise and shock. Rand visits the coroner, Jason Kirchner, to retrieve the pistol that had been used in Fleming's death, which Kirchner had been holding as evidence. Rand is able to obtain the pistol and a letter from Kirchner verifying its authenticity, which could increase its value as a collector's item. As Rand continues his investigation, he meets with Stephen Gresham and his associates, who are interested in purchasing the Fleming collection. Rand learns that Gresham and his friends are willing to pay a high price for the collection, but they are hesitant to bid against Rivers' offer. The story raises questions about the value of the Fleming collection, the motives of the characters, and the identity of the killer. Rand's investigation is ongoing, and he is determined to uncover the truth behind the theft of the pistols and the murder of Arnold Rivers. Rand eventually discovers that the killer is Fred Dunmore, one of Fleming's business associates, who had been trying to acquire the Fleming collection and had murdered Fleming to get it. He had also murdered Rivers when the latter discovered that Dunmore had used one of Rivers' guns to commit the crime. Rand sets a trap for Dunmore, using himself as bait, and Dunmore is revealed to be the killer. The case is solved, and Rand reflects on the lessons he learned from it, including the importance of considering all possibilities and not jumping to conclusions.
Colonel Jefferson Davis Rand continues to investigate the theft of pistols from the Lane Fleming collection and the murder of Arnold Rivers, a notorious antique arms dealer. Rand visits Rivers' shop and finds his body, which leads to an investigation by the State Police. Rand shares his findings with Sergeant McKenna and they discuss possible suspects and motives. Rand also meets with Karen Lawrence, a general antique dealer, and learns that she had been planning to start an arms business with her fiancé, Pierre Jarrett, using the Fleming collection. As Rand delves deeper into the case, he discovers that Rivers was killed with a German Mauser rifle and that his card-index system for recording transactions was destroyed in a fire. Rand suspects that the killer may have been trying to cover up a crime, possibly related to the theft of the pistols. Rand's investigation leads him to suspect that the butler, Walters, may be involved in the theft of the pistols and the murder of Rivers. However, as the story unfolds, Rand discovers that the truth is more complex and surprising. The case is eventually solved when Rand sets a trap for the killer, using himself as bait, and the killer is revealed to be Fred Dunmore, one of Fleming's business associates. Dunmore had been trying to acquire the Fleming collection and had murdered Fleming to get it. He had also murdered Rivers when the latter discovered that Dunmore had used one of Rivers' guns to commit the crime. Rand's investigation is ongoing, and he is determined to uncover the truth behind the theft of the pistols and the murder of Arnold Rivers.
Colonel Jefferson Davis Rand is hired by Gladys Fleming to catalog and appraise her late husband's antique pistol collection. However, Rand soon discovers that several valuable pistols are missing from the collection, and he suspects that the thefts may be connected to Lane Fleming's death. As Rand investigates further, he uncovers a web of secrets and motives among the people closest to Fleming, including his family members and business associates. The story takes a surprising turn when Arnold Rivers, a notorious antique arms dealer, is found murdered, and Rand must navigate a complex case involving theft, murder, and deception. Rand's investigation leads him to suspect that the butler, Walters, may be involved in the theft of the pistols and the murder of Rivers. However, as the story unfolds, Rand discovers that the truth is more complex and surprising. The case is eventually solved when Rand sets a trap for the killer, using himself as bait, and the killer is revealed to be Fred Dunmore, one of Fleming's business associates. Dunmore had been trying to acquire the Fleming collection and had murdered Fleming to get it. He had also murdered Rivers when the latter discovered that Dunmore had used one of Rivers' guns to commit the crime. The story concludes with Rand reflecting on the case and the lessons he learned from it, including the importance of considering all possibilities and not jumping to conclusions. Rand also solves the mystery of the stolen pistols and recovers them, bringing closure to the case. In the end, Rand's investigation and actions lead to the downfall of the killer and the recovery of the stolen pistols, bringing justice to the victims and their families. The story highlights Rand's skills and expertise as a detective and his ability to navigate complex cases and uncover the truth.