newspaper. "Hello, Muller; you there? Suppose I take you with me?
You aren't doing anything now, are you?"

"No, sir.

"Well, come with me, then. If this should turn out to be anything
serious, we may need you."

The three men entered one of the cabs waiting outside the police
station. As they rattled through the streets, Commissioner Horn
continued his examination of the, valet. "When did you see your
master last?"

"About eleven o'clock last evening."

"Did you speak with him then?

"No, I looked through the keyhole."

"Oh, indeed; is that a habit of yours?"

Dummel blushed deeply, but his eyes flashed, and he looked angry.

"No, it is not, sir," he growled. "I only did it this time because
I was anxious about the master. He's been so worked up and nervous
the last few days. Last night I went to the theatre, as I always
do Saturday evenings. When I returned, about half-past ten it was,
I knocked at the door of his bedroom. He didn't answer, and I
walked away softly, so as not to disturb him in case he'd gone to
sleep already. The hall was dark, and as I went through it I saw