But when the Venetian Proveditore, or authority, of the island, came to examine into the matter, the most unaccountable mystery was the manner in which these ruffians had met their fate.
Zanoni had not stirred from the apartment in which he ordinarily pursued his chemical studies.

None of the servants had even been disturbed from their slumbers.

No marks of human violence were on the bodies of the dead.

They died, and made no sign.

From that moment Zanoni's house--nay, the whole vicinity--was sacred.