estry as well as the church have neither of them been opened on
the side toward the street."

"The church or the vestry, you mean," corrected Muller. "How many doors
have they on the street side?"

"One each."

"The locks on these doors were in good condition?"

"Yes, they were untouched."

"Was there anything stolen from the church?"

"No, nothing that we could see."

"Was the pastor rich?"

"No, he was almost a poor man, for he gave away all that he had."

"But you were his patron, Count."

"I was his friend. He was the confidential adviser of myself and
family."

"This would mean rich presents now and then, would it not?"

"No, that is not the case. Our venerable pastor would take nothing for
himself. He would accept no presents but gifts of money for his poor."

"Then you do not believe this to have been a murder for the sake of
robbery?"

"No. There was nothing disturbed in any part of the house, no drawers or
cupboards broken open at all."

Muller smiled. "I have heard it said that your romantic Hungarian
bandits will often be satisfied with the small booty they may find in
the pocket or on the person of their victim."

"You are right, Mr. Muller. But that is only when they can find nothing
else."

"Or perhaps if it is a case of revenge.

"It cannot be revenge in this case!"

"The pastor was greatly loved?"

"He was loved and revered."

"By every one?"

"By every one!" the four men answered at once.

Muller was still a while. His eyes were veiled and his face thoughtful.
Finally he raised his head. "There has been nothing moved or changed in
this room?"

"No--neither here nor anywhere else in the house or the church,"
answered the local magistrate.

"That is good. Now I would like to question the servants."

Muller had already started for the door, then he turned back into
the room and pointing toward the second door he asked: "Is that door
locked?"

"Yes," answered the Count. "I found it locked when I examined it myself
a short time ago."

"It was locked on the inside?"

"Yes, locked on the inside."

"Very well. Then we have nothing more to do here for the time being. Let
us go back into the dining-room."

The men returned to the dining-room, Muller last, for he stopped to lock
the door of the study and put the key in his pocket. Then he began his
examination of the servants.

The old housekeeper, who, as usual, was the first to rise in the
household, had also, as usu