Two seemingly unconnected people--a gardener known to like his drink and a selfish, flirtatious nurse--are found dead in the shallow ford only a week apart. Rumor and suspicion spread quickly in the small town, where Miss Silver just happens to be visiting the daughter of an old school friend.

Years before, after quarrelling with an uncle, Edward Random had disappeared. Everyone had their favorite theory: he was in prison for killing a man in a duel; he was lost in the Orient; dead. After five years, the uncle wrote a new will leaving his considerable wealth to another. Now Edward has returned, alive and well and ready to start living again. But the old family feud and suspicion of murder threaten his future. The demure and brilliant Miss Silver is drawn into the case. Will she be able to identify the killer, bring young lovers together, and finish her baby sweaters?

Miss Silver mystery #21