Up to this point
the incident bore the appearance of an ordinary accident, but
fresh indications seem to point to serious crime. Surprise was
expressed at the absence of the master of the establishment from
the scene of the fire, and an inquiry followed, which showed
that he had disappeared from the house. An examination of his
room revealed that the bed had not been slept in, that a safe
which stood in it was open, that a number of important papers
were scattered about the room, and, finally, that there were
signs of a murderous struggle, slight traces of blood being
found within the room, and an oaken walking-stick, which also
showed stains of blood upon the handle. It is known that Mr.
Jonas Oldacre had received a late visitor in his bedroom upon
that night, and the stick found has been identified as the
property of this person, who is a young London solicitor named
John Hector McFarlane, junior partner of Graham and McFarlane,
of 426, Gresham Buildings, E.C. The police believe that they
have evidence in their possession which supplies a very
convincing motive for the crime, and altogether it cannot
be doubted that sensational developments will follow.
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