Aunt Clara. No night has ever turned out as long as the present one for me. I haven't closed an eye. I heard the clock strike every time. And all the things that I saw and heard!
Inspector Zindel. (approaching again). Don't tell it, Miss!
Aunt Clara. I continually saw the dead man, but he was alive and opened the door and came toward me. And yet I knew he was dead. And when I was about to scream, the clock struck and all was gone.
[Outside a clock strikes. It has the silvery sound of old chimes. Both are startled.]
Inspector Zindel. Thunderation! You can put it over a fellow. (He goes back to the fireplace.)
Aunt Clara (counts the strokes, first in an undertone, then louder, and meanwhile rises). Five ... six ... seven ... It has struck seven, Zindel. They will surely be here any moment. (She listens again.) I believe I hear something now.
Inspector Zindel (at the fireplace, seizes the lantern). Here they are. You can hear the carriage on the road.
Aunt Clara (busily). After all they came sooner than we expected! Hurry, Zindel, they are driving up now.
Inspector Zindel (already at the door on the right, swinging the lantern). This minute, Miss Clara ...!
[Goes off.]