A bearded man lies on his back in the snow at the side of a field. He has nine knives stuck into his chest and stomach. A police officer kneels beside him,notebook and pencil in hand. A tenth bloody knife lies on the ground near the victim’s head. On the far side of the neighboring field,two wagons can be seen disappearing over the horizon. How did the man meet his end? Was he set upon in an unprovoked attack,or was he at fault in some way? Why are the wagons fleeing? Were they involved? Should the querent identify with the murdered man,the policeman,or with the fleeing Gypsies? Extreme burdens,great misfortune,pain,affliction,tears. This is not a card of violent death.