“This would mean rich presents now and then, would it not?”      

       “No, that is not the case. Our venerable pastor would take nothing for himself. He would accept no presents but gifts of money for his poor.”      

       “Then you do not believe this to have been a murder for the sake of robbery?”      

       “No. There was nothing disturbed in any part of the house, no drawers or cupboards broken open at all.”      

       Muller smiled. “I have heard it said that your romantic Hungarian bandits will often be satisfied with the small booty they may find in the pocket or on the person of their victim.”      

       “You are right, Mr. Muller. But that is only when they can find nothing else.”      

       “Or perhaps if it is a case of revenge.     

       “It cannot be revenge in this case!”      

       “The pastor was greatly loved?”      

       “He was loved and revered.”      

       “By every one?”      

       “By every one!” the four men answered at once.     

       Muller was still a while. His eyes were veiled and his face thoughtful. Finally he raised his head. “There has been nothing moved or changed in this room?”      

       “No—neither here nor anywhere else in the house or the church,”        answered the local magistrate.     

       “That is good. Now I would like to question the servants.”      

       Muller had already started for the door, then he turned back into the room and pointing toward the second door he asked: “Is that door locked?”      

       “Yes,” answered the Count. “I found it locked when I examined it myself a short time ago.”      

       “It was locked on the inside?”      

       “Yes, locked on the inside.”      

 Prev. P 18/48 next