THE CASE OF THE REGISTERED LETTER

by Grace Isabel Colbron and Augusta Groner



"Oh, sir, save him if you can--save my poor nephew! I know he is
innocent!"

The little old lady sank back in her chair, gazing up at Commissioner
von Riedau with tear-dimmed eyes full of helpless appeal. The
commissioner looked thoughtful. "But the case is in the hands of
the local authorities, Madam," he answered gently, a strain of pity
in his voice. "I don't exactly see how we could interfere."

"But they believe Albert guilty! They haven't given him a chance!"

"He cannot be sentenced without sufficient proof of his guilt."

"But the trial, the horrible trial--it will kill him--his heart
is weak. I thought--I thought you might send some one--some one
of your detectives--to find out the truth of the case. You must
have the best people here in Vienna. Oh, my poor Albert--"

Her voice died away in a suppressed sob, and she covered her face
to keep back the tears.

The commissioner pressed a bell on his desk. "Is Detective Joseph