I must say that he was a very ordinary-looking individual.

Fair, of ruddy complexion, with snub nose and the beginning of a bald place on the top of his head, he, too, looked the embodiment of a prosperous, stodgy 'City gent.' "I took a quick survey of the witnesses present, and guessed that the handsome, stylish woman sitting next to Mr.Reginald Pepys, the noted lawyer for the Crown, was Mrs.Morton.
"There was a large crowd in court, and I heard whispered comments among the feminine portion thereof as to the beauty of Mrs.Morton's gown, the value of her large picture hat, and the magnificence of her diamond rings.
"The police gave all the evidence required with regard to the finding of Mr.Morton in the room at Russell House and also to the arrest of Skinner at the Langham Hotel in London.

It appears that the prisoner seemed completely taken aback at the charge preferred against him, and declared that though he knew Mr.Francis Morton slightly in business he knew nothing as to his private life.
"'Prisoner stated,' continued Inspector Buckle, 'that he was not even aware Mr.Morton lived in Brighton, but I have evidence here, which I will place before your Honour, to prove that the prisoner was seen in the company of Mr.Morton at 9.30 o'clock on the morning of the assault.' "Cross-examined by Mr.Matthew Quiller, the detective-inspector admitted that prisoner merely said that he did not know that Mr.Morton was a _resident_ of Brighton--he never denied having met him there.
"The witness, or rather witnesses, referred to by the police were two Brighton tradesmen who knew Mr.Morton by sight and had seen him on the morning of the 17th walking with the accused.
"In this instance Mr.Quiller had no question to ask of the witnesses, and it was generally understood that the prisoner did not wish to contradict their statement.
"Constable Hartrick told the story of the finding of the unfortunate Mr.Morton after his four days' incarceration.

The constable had been sent round by the chief inspector, after certain information given by Mrs.Chapman, the landlady of Russell House.

He had found the door locked and forced it open.