two minutes to twelve
His evidence was quite brief , and merely corroborative of that of Kate Silver , as was that of the next witness , Edith Bryant . When these had been disposed of , the coroner announced : `` Before taking the medical evidence , gentlemen , I propose to hear that of the police-officers , and first we will call Detective-sergeant Alfred Bates . '' The sergeant stepped forward briskly , and proceeded to give his evidence with official readiness and precision . `` I was called by Constable Simmonds at eleven-forty-nine , and reached the house at two minutes to twelve in company with Inspector Harris and Divisional Surgeon Davidson . When I arrived Dr. Hart , Dr. Thorndyke , and Dr. Jervis were already in the room . I found the deceased woman , Minna Adler , lying in bed with her throat cut . She was dead and cold .