nearly nine o'clock in
the morning
Mitchell paused and glanced thoughtfully at his polished shoes . `` Let me alter that question , '' said the coroner hastily . `` Did you find any indication in the room that Mr. Spencer expected to return to it ? '' `` His clothes were there , and the electric light by the bureau was burning , notwithstanding the fact that it was nearly nine o'clock in the morning . '' The coroner consulted his papers , `` That is all just now , '' and Mitchell departed . `` Ask Mr. Whitney to step here , '' directed Penfield , a second afterward . `` Beg pardon , sir , '' and the morgue master stepped before the platform .