seizure; and that he might have carried some notes of interest to me. My visitor agreed; I sent for Ricori's
overcoat and suit and we went through them. There were a few papers, but nothing relating to our
investigation.
In the breast pocket of his overcoat, however, was a curious object-a piece of thin cord about eight
inches long in which had been tied nine knots, spaced at irregular intervals. They were curious knots too,
not quite like any I could recollect having observed. I studied the cord with an unaccountable but distinct
feeling of uneasiness. I glanced at my visitor and saw a puzzled look in his eyes. And then I remembered
Ricori's superstition, and reflected that the knotted cord was probably a talisman or charm of some sort.
I put it back in the pocket.
When again alone, I took it out and examined it more minutely. The cord was of human hair, tightly