In the ante-room, where the body of Reginald Dimmock had originally been placed, were the inspector and Prince Aribert, and two policemen.
'Well ?' said Racksole, after he and the Prince had exchanged bows.
Then he saw a coffin laid across two chairs.

'I see a coffin has been obtained,' he remarked.

'Quite right' He approached it.

'It's empty,' he observed unthinkingly.
'Just so,' said the inspector.

'The body of the deceased has disappeared.
And his Serene Highness Prince Aribert informs me that though he has occupied a room immediately opposite, on the other side of the corridor, he can throw no light on the affair.' 'Indeed, I cannot!' said the Prince, and though he spoke with sufficient calmness and dignity, you could see that he was deeply pained, even distressed.
'Well, I'm--' murmured Racksole, and stopped..