STROEBEL. I myself thought that that would be found out later.
COMMISSIONER. There are certain things in the world you would not be likely to look for and less likely to find. You have been treating this thing as though you were dealing with a common ordinary pickpocket. [To Baron Sckmettau.] You see it is just as I told you ... the man did not have the slightest idea.... [To Stroebel.] Did this fellow, Schmuttermaier, see anyone in the flat or did he hear if anyone was there?
STROEBEL. No, Commissioner.
COMMISSIONER [to Baron Schmettau]. It is just as I told you....
STROEBEL. Furthermore, I have heard since that there was somebody in the apartment.
COMMISSIONER [quickly]. Who?
STROEBEL. That, I have been unable to find out yet, but Hauteville made several insinuations as though someone had been hidden in a wardrobe.
COMMISSIONER.[to Baron Schmettau]. To be sure—someone—was—To my profoundest regret, His Highness, our beloved Hereditary Prince Emil.
STROEBEL [crushed]. I ... didn't have the slightest idea ...
COMMISSIONER. You people ought to have an idea once in a while. If this Schmuttermaier had any ability, it would not have happened. But it is the old story, not a trace of independent ability and tact.