The Secret Closet
A Detective's Story
“For murder, though it have no tongue, will speak with most miraculous organ.”
In the year 18—, John Smith—I use fictitious names—was indicted for the willful murder of Henry Thompson. The case was one of a most extraordinary nature, and the interest excited by it was almost unparalleled. The accused was a gentleman of considerable property, residing upon his own estate. A person, supposed to be an entire stranger to him, had late in a summer’s day requested and obtained shelter and hospitality for the night. He had, it was supposed, after taking some light refreshment, retired to bed in perfect health, requesting to be awakened at an early hour the following morning. When the servant appointed to call him entered the room for that purpose he was found in his room perfectly dead, and from the appearance of the body it was obvious that he had been so for many hours. There was not the slightest mark of violence upon his person, and the countenance retained the same expression it had done during life.