He is dead.
It is quite impossible that he should have killed himself.
He has been murdered.
About half an hour ago.
By a long knife passed under the left shoulder-blade into the heart.
On a fog-bound London night, a soirEe is taking place in the studio of artist Laurence Newtree.
The guests include an eminent psychiatrist, a wealthy philanthropist and an observant young friend of Newtree's, John Christmas.
Before the evening is over, Newtree's neighbour is found stabbed.
