twelve o'clock
He had visited friends in Hammersmith that night . The ALIBI was complete . It is true that he started home at an hour which should have brought him to Westminster before the time when the crime was discovered , but his own explanation that he had walked part of the way seemed probable enough in view of the fineness of the night . He had actually arrived at twelve o'clock , and appeared to be overwhelmed by the unexpected tragedy . He had always been on good terms with his master . Several of the dead man 's possessions -- notably a small case of razors -- had been found in the valet 's boxes , but he explained that they had been presents from the deceased , and the housekeeper was able to corroborate the story . Mitton had been in Lucas 's employment for three years .