had studied the matter a little closer. The commissioner was just
a little bit vain, and just a little bit jealous of this humble
detective's fame.

Muller shrugged his shoulders at the remark of his superior, and
the two men stood silent, thinking over the case, as the Chief of
Police appeared, accompanied by the doctor, a clerk, and two hospital
attendants. The chief commissioner received the report of what had
been discovered, while the corpse was laid on a bier to be taken to
the hospital.

Muller handed the commissioner his hat and cane and helped him into
his overcoat. Horn noticed that the detective himself was making
no preparations to go out. "Aren't you coming with us?" he asked,
astonished.

"I hope the gentlemen will allow me to remain here for a little
while," answered Muller modestly.

"But you know that we will have to close the apartment officially,"
said Horn, his voice sharpening in his surprise and displeasure.

"I do not need to be in these rooms any longer."

"Don't let them disturb you, my dear Muller; we will allow your
keenness all possible leeway here." The Head of Police spoke with
calm politeness, but Muller started and shivered. The emphasis on
the "here" showed him that even the head of the department had been
incensed at his suggestion that the beautiful Mrs. Kniepp had died
of her own free will. It had been his assertion of this which,