This small but select mansion has been inhabited
for some years by Mr. Eduardo Lucas, well known in society
circles both on account of his charming personality and because
he has the well-deserved reputation of being one of the best
amateur tenors in the country. Mr. Lucas is an unmarried man,
thirty-four years of age, and his establishment consists of
Mrs. Pringle, an elderly housekeeper, and of Mitton, his valet.
The former retires early and sleeps at the top of the house.
The valet was out for the evening, visiting a friend at Hammersmith.
From ten o'clock onwards Mr. Lucas had the house to himself.
What occurred during that time has not yet transpired, but at
a quarter to twelve Police-constable Barrett, passing along
Godolphin Street, observed that the door of No. 16 was ajar.
He knocked, but received no answer. Perceiving a light in
the front room he advanced into the passage and again knocked,
but without reply. He then pushed open the door and entered.
The room was in a state of wild disorder, the furniture being
all swept to one side, and one chair lying on its back in the
centre. Beside this chair, and still grasping one of its legs,
lay the unfortunate tenant of the house.
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