Mayringen read aloud after he had hastily turned the first few
pages of the notebook, and had come to a place where the writing
was heavily underscored.

The commissioner and Amster were much astonished at these words, but
the detective still gazed quietly at the seals of the wrapping.

"This heading reads like insanity, said the commissioner. Muller
shrugged his shoulders, then turned to Amster. "Where did you find
the package?"

In Garden street."

"When?"

"About twenty minutes ago."

Amster gave a short and lucid account of his discovery. His
intelligent face and well-chosen words showed that he had observation
and the power to describe correctly what he had observed. His honest
eyes inspired confidence.

"Where could they have been taking the woman?" asked the detective,
more of himself than of the others.

The commissioner searched hastily through the notebook for a
signature, but without success. "Why do you think it is a woman?
This writing looks more like a man's hand to me. The letters are
so heavy and - "