Allen, a buxom and cheerful person, who
relieved the lady of some of her household cares. The other six
servants in the house bear no relation to the events of the night
of January 6th.
It was at eleven forty-five that the first alarm reached the
small local police station, in charge of Sergeant Wilson of the
Sussex Constabulary. Cecil Barker, much excited, had rushed up
to the door and pealed furiously upon the bell. A terrible
tragedy had occurred at the Manor House, and John Douglas had
been murdered. That was the breathless burden of his message.
He had hurried back to the house, followed within a few minutes
by the police sergeant, who arrived at the scene of the crime a
little after twelve o'clock, after taking prompt steps to warn
the county authorities that something serious was afoot.
On reaching the Manor House, the sergeant had found the
drawbridge down, the windows lighted up, and the whole household
in a state of wild confusion and alarm. The white-faced servants
were huddling together in the hall, with the frightened butler
wringing his hands in the doorway. Only Cecil Barker seemed to
be master of himself and his emotions; he had opened the door
which was nearest to the entrance and he had beckoned to the
sergeant to follow him.
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