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Page 11
Some time more passed in deep silence. Each of the men was occupied
with his own thoughts. A sigh broke the silence now and then, and
a slight movement when one or the other drew out his watch or raised
his head to look at the door. Finally, the sound of a carriage
outside was heard. The men sprang up.
The driver's voice was heard, then steps which ascended the stairs
lowly and lightly, audible only because the stillness was so great.
The door opened and a small, slight, smooth-shaven man with a gentle
face and keen grey eyes stood on the threshold. "I am Joseph
Muller," he said with a low, soft voice.
The four men in the room looked at him in astonishment.
"This simple-looking individual is the man that every one is afraid
of?" thought the Count, as he walked forward and held out his hand
to the stranger.
"I sent for you, Mr. Muller," said the magnate, conscious of his
stately size and appearance, as well as of his importance in the
presence of a personage who so little looked what his great fame
might have led one to expect.
"Then you are Count ---- ?" answered Muller gently. "I was in
Budapest, having just finished a difficult case which took me there.
They told me that a mysterious crime had happened in your
neighbourhood, and sent me here to take charge of it. You will
pardon any ignorance I may show as a stranger to this locality.
I will do my best and it may be possible that I can help you."
The Count introduced the other gentlemen in order and they sat down
again at the table.
"And now what is it you want me for, Count?" asked Muller.
"There was a murder committed in this house," answered the Count.
"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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