five o'clock
Poor old Axworthy is murdered , and I 'm terribly afraid Leonard has met with some foul play . You or Mary had better go and see about Ave presently , but do n't believe a word of anything till you see me again . ' And shutting the door , while Ethel felt as if the room were reeling round with her , Dr. May was in a few seconds more hastening along by Hardy 's side , extracting from him the little he had to tell . The old man had been unlocking the door of the mill at five o'clock , when he was summoned by loud shrieks from the window of Mr. Axworthy 's sitting-room , and found that the little maid had been appalled by the sight of her master sunk forward from his gouty chair upon the table , his hair covered with blood . Hardy had been the first to touch him , and to perceive that he had long been dead . The housekeeper , the only other servant who slept in the house , had rushed in half-dressed ; but neither nephew appeared . Young Axworthy had gone the previous day to the county races , leaving the time of his return doubtful , and Leonard Ward did not answer when called .