eight o'clock
She had been stabbed to the heart by a powerful blow dealt from behind . `` The murderer left no traces , '' the _ Globe _ continued . `` He carried off the weapon , and , after locking the door , he took the key . According to medical opinion , the deed was committed about half-past eight o'clock . At that time there were several other lodgers in the top part of the house , but they heard no noise whatever . Fortunately , however , there is a clew . Mrs. Ricketts , who was out making purchases for breakfast , returned about a quarter to nine .