Part 1 Summary

Dr. Franz-Josef von Leinsdorf is an Austrian geologist living and working in South Africa. He is a committed and tireless worker who, during the course of his career, has lived in several different countries. When he does take time to relax, he enjoys skiing, listening to music and reading poetry.

Dr. von Leinsdorf is unmarried. Most people describe him as good-looking and many of his female co-workers assume he has a girlfriend waiting for him back in Europe.

Because Dr. von Leinsdorf's rented garden apartment is situated across the street from a supermarket, he frequently stops there after work to buy whatever provisions he needs for his evening meal. One evening as he is checking out, he notices that the cardboard display containing his preferred brand of razor blades is empty. He brings this to the cashier's attention, but does not expect that...