I'd like to share with you a snippet from chapter four of Buried Secrets, the translation of Karl May's, The Hussar's Love series.
Here we find the protagonist, Richard von Lowenklau, exploring the grounds of Castle Ortry, when he runs into an unexpected visitor.

Somehow Richard felt drawn to accompany the secretive man. Who is he? he thought. What does he want? Is his presence connected to the secret goings on at the factory? It certainly seems that way. Perhaps he’ll be useful in clearing up the many questions I have yet to answer.
The stranger walked purposely away from the castle, out toward the meadow. After a while, he stopped at a low retaining wall and sat down on the ground, leaning up against the wall.
“Sit down,” he said, inviting Richard. “It’s more fitting to talk this way.”
The educator followed the man’s example, curious to discover what he wanted to discuss.
“Who are you?” asked the stranger.
“Why do you need to know?” Richard countered.
“I need to know for myself.”
“Perhaps you’ll find out, perhaps not. Who are you?”
“You’ll find out in due course,” evaded the stranger. “Since you don’t wish to reveal your identity, perhaps you’ll tell me what you do?”
“You’ll find out when I’m ready to disclose it,” replied Richard, unsure where this was going.
“But I already know.”
“Really? Tell me then.”
“You’re a man who chooses to enter other people’s rooms, taking what pleases him.”
So, the stranger supposed he was a scoundrel, even a thief? He must have seen him come down the lightning rod structure. Amused, Richard decided not to contradict his assessment. “Do you have something against that?”
“No,” replied the stranger. “You seem to be a bold man.”
“It goes with the territory,” laughed Richard.
“I appreciate courage and resolve in any man, but do you realize how much harm I could cause you?”
“Hmm, in what way?”
“I could detain you.”
“Damn! Would you really?”
“And turn you over to the master of the house.”
“You’re a cause for concern!”
“Don’t worry,” reassured the stranger in a conciliatory tone. “I have no intention of doing either, so long as you abide by my wishes.”
“If you’re prepared to keep quiet, you can count on me.”
“You catch on quick. Do you live nearby?”
“In the village of Ortry.”
“That’s good. Are you acquainted with the castle’s inhabitants?”
“More or less.”
“Are you familiar with the surrounding area, specifically the ruins called the Old Tower?”
“Yes, I am.”
“That’s reassuring. You strike me as a man who’s not too choosy in what he does, so long as it profits him. Are you interested in earning some money?”
Richard fought from laughing out loud. Instead, he replied evenly. “Gladly. I’m always in need of money.”
“Well, I’m prepared to offer you one hundred francs for three hours’ work.”
“Heavens! That’s a nice little sum.”
“Agreed, and I’m prepared to give you another hundred if you can supply a trustworthy man.”
“I’m sure I can,” Richard offered, intrigued. “Of course, I’ll need to know what you have in mind.”
“Fair enough,” the stranger said, pausing. “I want to unearth a grave.”
“A grave?” asked Richard, genuinely surprised. “In the church cemetery?”
“I’ll fill you in later. But first I want to know if you’re prepared to carry out the task and find another man to help you.”
“Yes,” Richard replied slowly. “I’m not at all concerned about opening a grave, and I’m sure I can find a helper who’s eager for a little paid adventure. But before I can give you my decision, I need to know which grave you have in mind.” Probably the body of a wealthy man, Richard speculated. Considering the stranger had taken him for a thief, it didn’t seem altogether unlikely he’d be after some plunder of his own.
“We were speaking of the Old Tower,” continued the stranger. “Have you ever been there?”
“Sure, many times.”
“Have you noticed that there’s a grave nearby?”
“Yes. I believe it’s a heathen’s grave.”
“Right. Do you know who’s buried there?”
“Of course, everyone does. The Baron de Sainte-Marie’s first wife.”
“Exactly. That’s the grave I want opened.”
Astounded, Richard half-rose from his sitting position. He hadn’t expected that. “Really? Do you suppose the baroness was buried with valuables?”
“No,” replied the man haltingly. “I’m interested in the baroness herself.”
“What do you mean by that?” asked Richard, taken aback.
The stranger hesitated for a moment, no doubt debating how much he was prepared to reveal. “I want to take the baroness’ remains with me,” he replied solemnly.
The cavalry master was stunned. He looked across at the peculiar man, who had by now also risen from his sitting position. Who is this man? he thought. How is he connected to the dead lady that he would want to collect her remains? This chance meeting will prove advantageous for me if I make myself available to see where it leads. “So, you’re prepared to pay me two hundred francs if I agree to your proposal and supply another helper?”
“As soon as you’ve opened the coffin, you’ll receive the money. Are you willing?”
“Yes,” Richard said, extending his hand. “I’m interested.”
“Can I depend on you?”
“Completely. And on my friend as well, just like me. You won’t find two more discreet men anywhere.”
“That’s good. When would it suit you? Tomorrow night would be convenient for me.”
“All right.”
“Then come to the grave one hour before midnight, accompanied by your friend. I’ll be there waiting for you. Hold up your right hand and swear that you won’t betray me.”
It struck Richard that this was a significant encounter. After swearing his oath, he would be committed to carrying out the deed. It had once occurred to him to open the grave on his own, to find out if it was indeed empty or if it contained a corpse, which was why he consented to the stranger’s plan.
He lifted his hand and swore: “I swear in my name and on behalf of my companion that we won’t betray you, but help you carry out your plan and bring it to a successful conclusion.”
“Allah Akbar!” exclaimed the stranger. “That’s not the sentiment of a scoundrel or thief! I suppose that’s good enough to trust you with my true identity. My name is Abu Hassan, the magician. I’m in charge of a travelling group of acrobats who are scheduled to give a performance tomorrow in Thionville.”
“Why are you planning to remove the remains of the deceased baroness?”
“Perhaps I’ll fill you in once I’m convinced you’re truly trustworthy. Tell me your name and that of your friend.”
“You’ll find out our names once I’ve determined I can trust you in return. You can see from my cautious approach that I’m not careless with my associations. You can depend on me.”
Abu Hassan nodded thoughtfully. “Perhaps you have something there. Then again, perhaps not. Still, I plan to be at the grave site at the appointed time. If you fail to show up, or worse, betray me, you will end up with a heavy sin on your conscience. Allah would surely punish you.”
“Don’t worry, I’ll keep my word. Take my hand and rest assured in my promise. Who will bring the shovels? You or I?”
“You. I’ll supply a box for the remains. I will assist you with digging, but you will have to place the bones in the box.” He reached into his pocket and took out a small pouch. “I will give you a hundred francs for now,” he said. “You’ll receive the other hundred once we’re finished.”
“Keep the hundred,” Richard said, pushing back the outstretched hand. “I’ll ask you for payment once I’ve fulfilled my part.”
“Allah il Allah!” said the man, surprised. “You are a trustworthy man, even though you’re a Christian and a scoundrel. I’m now convinced you won’t betray me. Good night.”
“Good night.”
The man jumped over the low wall and disappeared into the night. Richard stayed behind for a moment, captivated by this latest turn of events. Who would have thought such a thing? I, a German nobleman, a Prussian officer, find myself engaged by an itinerant magician to raid the grave of a former baroness. The whole thing is preposterous! Richard knew he could count on his trustworthy accomplice Franz to help him out in this unusual venture, and to procure the necessary implements without drawing unnecessary attention to himself.