Edmund Lovelace

I live with four cousins of mine in an old house in Camberwell.

My grandfather left the house and a sizable fortune to the five of us on condition that we live together and maintain the family unity.

It probably wouldn't surprise you to know that we've grown to get pretty much on each other's nerves.

His share is divided among the others, Doctor.

The wonder to me is that...

Not that a murder may take place, but that it has not happened long ago.

Who's responsible for the administration of the estate?

My cousin, Gerald.

He's much older than the rest of us, and he's a thoroughly unpleasant, cantankerous man.

He gets an extra share in the estate as administrator, and in consequence, he doesn't work.

We feel, of course, that he lives off us, and we're continually quarreling with him about it.

There's going to be trouble, Mr. Holmes.

I know it.

Gerald hates us, and he's jealous of our share in the estate.

You spoke of preventing murder just now.

Yet I can see that you've selected your cousin Gerald as the potential murderer.

Am I right?

Yes, you are.

But don't think it's personal prejudice that makes me suspect him.

I have good reason for doing so.