The coroner's jury brought in the
obvious "Wilful Murder," but the parties remained as unknown as
ever. No motive was suggested. The room was full of articles
of value, but none had been taken. The dead man's papers had
not been tampered with. They were carefully examined,
and showed that he was a keen student of international politics,
an indefatigable gossip, a remarkable linguist, and an untiring
letter-writer. He had been on intimate terms with the leading
politicians of several countries. But nothing sensational was
discovered among the documents which filled his drawers. As to
his relations with women, they appeared to have been promiscuous
but superficial. He had many acquaintances among them, but few
friends, and no one whom he loved. His habits were regular,
his conduct inoffensive. His death was an absolute mystery,
and likely to remain so.
As to the arrest of John Mitton, the valet, it was a counsel
of despair as an alternative to absolute inaction. But no case
could be sustained against him. He had visited friends in
Hammersmith that night. The ALIBI was complete. It is true
that he started home at an hour which should have brought him
to Westminster before the time when the crime was discovered,
but his own explanation that he had walked part of the way
seemed probable enough in view of the fineness of the night.
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