"Well, sir, the body isn't exactly found yet, but there is a certain Count, well-known to be rich, who was taking a foot tour through the country alone. His family expected him home on a certain day, and as he hasn't turned up yet, they suspect that he has been robbed and murdered."
"That may be merely a suspicion. How long has he been missing?"
"Three days, they say."
"Three days! Why, a man doesn't bind himself to a day or two when out on a foot tour. He may remain another three days, or a week longer, and then return unhurt."
"Well, sir, it may be as you say, but as the Count was known by his relations to be a very punctual man, and never to fail in his appointments, you see, it is natural they should feel uneasy."
"True, especially as three days ago was about the time of the other murder, and they may get it into their heads that the two murders occurred in the same night. Was he a married man?"
"No, sir; quite young, they say."
"Humph! When did you say the body of the Henker would be buried—to-morrow?"
"About ten, I think, sir."
"Ah! then I must be there early, as I want to examine the corpse myself."