Commissioner.  I hope that you are very careful about anonymous communications.

Stroebel.  Generally, I pay little attention to them.  But this letter was so full of details, I simply had to consider it.  Of course, only as a hint and I intended to get proof.  I gave it to Schmuttermaier and told him to keep the Hochstetter woman under strict surveillance.  Saturday at noon we obtained positive evidence,

Commissioner.  Then?

Stroebel.  Then I ordered Schmuttermaier to raid the place ...

Commissioner. ...  During which you found a diary in her apartments?

Stroebel.  Yes, Commissioner; a diary with the names of her visitors.  The dates and their social standing.  Everything.

Commissioner.  Have you finished reading it?

Stroebel.  No, sir.  I just glanced at it.  I only got it from
Schmuttermaier an hour ago.  I was not in the office yesterday.

Commissioner [thoughtfully].  It’s too late to do anything to-day. [Consulting his watch.] Let me see.  Bring me an exact report of all important names contained in the diary ... at ten to-morrow morning.

Stroebel.  Yes, Commissioner, at ten o’clock.

Commissioner.  And remember, it’s very important that you make this report personally.  Don’t let the clerk see the diary.  It has not yet been in his hands?

Stroebel [going to his desk].  No.  It’s locked up in my desk.

Commissioner.  Time enough to bring it to me tomorrow morning when you make your report.

Stroebel.  How do you want me to get my data, Commissioner?  Shall I summon the important people involved?

Commissioner [with emphasis].  Only ... the important ... names ... that’s all.  By the way, how far have you gone in the case?  Have you taken any further steps?

Stroebel.  No.  I will examine the Hochstetter woman in a little while. ...

Commissioner.  And Schmuttermaier?  Has he orders to make any further raids?

Stroebel.  Not yet.  I want to read the diary first.

Commissioner.  Above all, I do not want him to act without instructions.  People of no importance like to do important things.

Stroebel.  Yes, Commissioner.  Your orders will be carried out.

Commissioner.  Orders?  I never give orders.  You have your duties to perform.  I don’t care to tell you what to do. ...  But there must be no further raids until I have seen the diary.

Stroebel.  Certainly, Commissioner.

Commissioner.  At the same time, don’t neglect your duty.

Stroebel.  I will do everything necessary for the promotion of public decency.