“When?”      

       “Last night.”      

       “Who is the victim?”      

       “Our pastor.”      

       “How was he killed?”      

       “We do not know.”      

       “You are not a physician, then?” asked Muller, turning to Orszay.     

       “Yes, I am,” answered the latter.     

       “Well?”      

       “The body is missing,” said Orszay, somewhat sharply.     

       “Missing?” Muller became greatly interested. “Will you please lead me to the scene of the crime?” he said, rising from his chair.     

       The others led him into the next room, the magistrate going ahead with a lamp. The judge called for more lights and the group stood around the pool of blood on the floor of the study. Muller’s arms were crossed on his breast as he stood looking down at the hideous spot. There was no terror in his eyes, as in those of the others, but only a keen attention and a lively interest.     

       “Who has been in this room since the discovery?” he asked.     

       The doctor replied that only the servants of the immediate household, the notary, the magistrate, and himself, then later the Count and the district judge entered the room.     

       “You are quite certain that no one else has been in here?”      

       “No, no one else.”      

       “Will you kindly send for the three servants?” The magistrate left the room.     

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