Welcome back everyone to one thousand one classic short stories of tales. This is your host

John Hagadorn. We have a rare story for you today. It's actually a mystery spoof

by none other than surprise Anton Jekov one of Russia's great

Gilded-age short story writers who to my knowledge never did another mystery spoof

other than this one which makes it a real gem enjoy

On the morning of October 6th 1885 in the office of the Inspector of Police of the Second Division of South District,

there appeared a respectfully dressed young man who announced that his master,

Marcus Ivanovich Klausov, a retired officer of the horse guards, separated from his wife, had been murdered.

While making this announcement, the young man was white and terribly agitated.

His hands trembled and his eyes were full of terror.

Whom have I the honor of addressing?

asked the inspector.

Psiakoff, Lieutenant Klaasov's agent, agriculturist, and Mechanition.

The Inspector and his Deputy, on visiting the scene of the occurrence and company with

Siakof, found the following. Near the wing in which Klausov had lived was gathered a dense crowd.

The news of the murder had sped swift as lightning through the neighborhood,

and the peasantry, thanks to the fact that the day was a holiday, had hurried together from all the neighboring villages.

There was much commotion and talk.

Here and there, pale tear-stained faces were seen.

The door of Closoff's bedroom was found locked. The key was

inside. It is quite clear that the scoundrels got in by the window, said Siakopf as they examined the door.

They went to the garden, into which the bedroom window opened.

...