The little
toy, started at a certain point, drew a line exactly parallel to
the scratch on the floor that had excited his thoughts and absorbed
them day and night.
"It was a top--a top" repeated the detective to himself again and
again. "I don't see why I didn't think of that right away. Why,
of course, nothing else could have drawn such a perfect curve around
the room, unhindered by the legs of the desk. Only I don't see how
a toy like that could have any connection with this cruel and
purposeless murder. Why, only a fool--or a madman--"
Muller sprang up from his chair and again a sharp shrill whistle
came from his lips. "A madman!--" he repeated, beating his own
forehead. "It could only have been a madman who committed this
murder! And the pastor was not the first, there were two other
murders here within a comparatively short time. I think I will take
advantage of Dr. Orszay's invitation."
Half an hour later Muller and the doctor sat together in a
summer-house, from the windows of which one could see the park
surrounding the asylum to almost its entire extent. The park was
arranged with due regard to its purpose.
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