the following morning madame margaret sent for the sheriff of the district to come to the tavern with some of his people . she informed him of what had happened to her during the night , and ordered those present to tear up the floor . and there they found , buried in the earth , the remains of a body and , in a wound in its head , the countess 's ring . tied about its head was her kerchief . one of the bystanders grew pale at the sight , and fell senseless to the ground . when he came to his senses , he confessed that he had murdered the traveler and robbed him of his belongings . he was condemned to death for his crime , and the body of the murdered man was buried in the village church - yard .
madame margaret informed the sheriff of what had happened to her during the night .
why did those present tear up the floor ?
why did those present tear up the floor ?