a quarter to twelve
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 .