Was the Ring Taken Before the Man Was Killed?

The candle had been lit only a short time shows that therehad been no lengthy interview. The assassin was alone with the dead man for some time. We are in the presence of a deliberate conspiracy upon the part of the two people who heard the gunshot, of the man barker and of the woman douglas. I say that this was obviously impossible, you may argue, but i have too much respect for your judgment, watson, to think that you will do so.