-when--"

"When they arrest me?" Thorne finished the sentence himself. Then
turning to Muller he continued: "And that is why you are here?"

"Yes, Mr. Thorne. I have a warrant for your arrest in my pocket. But I
think it will be unnecessary to make use of it in the customary official
way through the authorities here. I see that you have written to both
police stations--confessing your deed. This will amount to a voluntary
giving up of yourself to the authorities, therefore all that is
necessary is that I return with you in the same train which takes you to
Vienna. But I must ask you for those two letters, for until you yourself
give them to the police authorities in my presence, it is my duty to
keep them."

Muller had seldom found his official duty as difficult as it was now.
His words came haltingly and great drops stood out on his forehead.

The painter rose from the sand and he too wiped his face, which was
drawn in agony.

"Herbert, Herbert!" cried Adele Bernauer suddenly. "Oh, Herbert, you
will live, you will! Promise me, you will not think of suicide, it would
kill your wife--"

She lay on her knees before him in the sand. He looked down at her
gently and with a gesture which seemed to be a familiar one of days long
past, he stroked the face that had grown old and worn in these hours of
fear for him.

"Yes, you dear good soul, I will live on, I will take upon myself my
punishment for killing a scoundrel. The poor man whom they have arrested
in my place must not linger in the fear of death. I am ready, sir.

"My name is Muller--detective Muller."

"Joseph Muller, the famous detective Muller?" asked Thorne with a sad
smile. "I have had little to do with the police but by chance I have
heard of your fame. I might have known; they tell me you are one from
whom the truth can never remain hidden."

"My duty is not always an easy one," said Muller.

"Thank you. Dispose of me as you will. I do not wish any privileges that
others would not have, Mr. Muller. Here is my written confession and
here am I myself. Shall we go now?" Herbert Thorne handed the detective
his notebook with its important contents and then walked slowly back
along the road he had come.

Muller walked a little behind him, while Mrs. Bernauer was at his side.
As in days long past, they walked hand in hand.

With eyes full of pity Muller watched them, and he heard Thorne give his
old nurse orders for the care of his wife. She was to take