Behind these people, the ones most nearly interested in the
procedure, were gathered the several servants of the house.

Lambert, the butler, was first interviewed.

The man was a somewhat pompous, middle-aged Englishman, and
though of stolid appearance, his face showed what might perhaps
be described as an intelligent stupidity.

After a few formal questions as to his position in the household,
the coroner asked him to tell his own story of the early morning.

In a more clear and concise way than I should have thought the
man capable of, he detailed his discovery of his master's body.

"I came down-stairs at seven this morning," he said, "as I always
do. I opened the house, I saw the cook a few moments about
matters pertaining to breakfast, and I attended to my usual
duties. At about half-past seven I went to Mr. Crawford's
office, to set it in order for the day, and as I opened the door
I saw him sitting in his chair. At first I thought he'd dropped
asleep there, and been there all night, then in a moment I saw
what had happened."

"Well, what did you do next?" asked the coroner, as the man
paused.

"I went in search of Louis, Mr. Crawford's valet. He was just
coming down the stairs. He looked surprised, for he said Mr.
Crawford was not in his room, and his bed hadn't been slept in."