oner was quite satisfied with the state of affairs. He knew the
case was in safe hands. He seated himself at his desk again and began
to read the little book which had come into his hands so strangely. His
eyes ran more and more rapidly over the closely written pages, as his
interest grew and grew.

When, half an hour later, he had finished the reading, he paced
restlessly up and down the room, trying to bring order into the thoughts
that rushed through his brain. And one thought came again and again, and
would not be denied in spite of many improbabilities, and many strange
things with which the book was full; in spite, also, of the varying,
uncertain handwriting and style of the message. This one thought was,
"This woman is not insane."

While the young official was pondering over the problem, Muller entered
as quietly as ever, bowed, put his hat and cane in their places,
and shook the snow off his clothing. He was evidently pleased about
something. Kurt von Mayringen did not notice his entrance. He was again
at the desk with the open book before him, staring at the mysterious
words, "How I was murdered."

"It is a woman, a lady of position. And if she is mad, then her madness
certainly has method." Muller said these words in his usual quiet way,
almost indifferently. The young commissioner started up and snatched
for the fine white handkerchief which the detective handed him. A strong
sweet perfume filled the room. "It is hers?" he murmured.

"It is hers," said Muller. "At least we can take that much for granted,
for the handkerchief bears the same monogram, A. L., which is on the
notebook."

Commissioner von Mayringen rose from his chair in evident excitement.
"Well?" he asked.

It was a short question, but full of meaning, and one could see that he
was waiting in great excitement for the answer. Muller reported what he
had discovered. The commissioner thought it little enough, and shrugged
his shoulders impatiently when the other had finished.

Muller noticed his chief's dissatisfaction and smiled at it. He himself
was quite content with what he had found.

"Is that all?" murmured the commissioner, as if disappointed.

"That is all," repeated the detective calmly, and added, "That is a good
deal. We have here a closely written notebook, the contents of which,
judging by your excitement, are evidently important. We have also a
handkerchief with an unusual perfume on it. I repeat that this is quite
conside