"I beg your pardon," answered Carl; "I was very hungry, and seeing
no one about, took the liberty to sit down at the table and eat. I am
willing to pay for my dinner if you will tell me how much it amounts
to."

"Wasn't my husband here?" asked the woman.

"I--I am afraid something has happened to your husband," faltered Carl.

"What do you mean?"

Carl silently pointed to the chamber door. The woman opened it, and
uttered a loud shriek.

"Look here, Walter!" she cried.

Her companion quickly came to her side.

"My husband is dead!" cried the woman; "basely murdered, and there,"
pointing fiercely to Carl, "there stands the murderer!"

"Madam, you cannot believe this!" said Carl, naturally agitated.

"What have you to say for yourself?" demanded the man, suspiciously.

"I only just saw--your husband," continued Carl, addressing himself to
the woman. "I had finished my meal, when I began to search for some one
whom I could pay, and so opened this door into the room beyond, when I
saw--him hanging there!"