Box 13 - A Perfect Crime

Dan Holiday receives a letter in his Box 13 that reads "My Dear Mr. Holiday, I do not address you as Box 13 because, having seen your advertisement, I was intrigued and found out who you are. You are a writer of mystery stories. I am a professor of Criminology at the University, and I think I have something of enormous interest to both of us. It's the perfect crime. I am going to commit it. Won't you be my audience if it pleases you? Come to my room at the University. Sincerely, Dr John Dobbs". At first, Dan wasn't sure whether the letter was on the level or not. Then, when Dan saw him, he was sure it was. Dr. Dobbs was waiting for Dan when he arrived at his room. Dobbs says "Hi. I'm so glad you came, Mr. Holiday. How long can you stay?" Dan says "All evening. My time is yours". Dobbs says "Wonderful. Oh, you think I'm a little crazy, don't you?" Dan says "Well, aren't we all?" Dobbs says "I suppose so, but let's discuss the perfect crime. Now what is a perfect crime?" Dan says "One that isn't solved". Dobbs says "Yes, of course, but nine times out of ten the crime isn't planned. I'm speaking about a planned murder, perfectly executed and perfectly hidden". Dan says "Dr. Dobbs, you're a great man in your field, therefore you should know that no one ever gets away with it". Dobbs asks "Oh, why not?" Dan says "Because there's always some clue. Some minute trace that leads directly to the murder". Dobbs says "Oh true, but suppose there were no clues, none at all". Dan says "Ah, but you're leaving out an important factor". Dobbs says "And that is?" Dan says "The body. It's hard to get rid of a body". Dobbs says "But, suppose the body of the murdered person were never found?" Dan says "There'd be absolutely no proof of murder". Dobbs says "Ah, my point exactly. Dan says "Dr. Dobbs, first, you're a famous man. It's hardly likely you'd risk everything you've worked for just as satisfy an insane whim. Secondly, I don't believe you're serious". Dobbs says "But I am, Mr. Holiday. I'm a very sick man. My doctor gives me three months to live. I spent a lifetime with books and studying students. I'm a crusty old bachelor. Now, in the time I have left, I want some excitement".