Mr. Jonas Oldacre is a well known resident
of that suburb, where he has carried on his business as a
builder for many years. Mr. Oldacre is a bachelor, fifty-two
years of age, and lives in Deep Dene House, at the Sydenham
end of the road of that name. He has had the reputation of
being a man of eccentric habits, secretive and retiring. For
some years he has practically withdrawn from the business,
in which he is said to have massed considerable wealth. A
small timber-yard still exists, however, at the back of the
house, and last night, about twelve o'clock, an alarm was
given that one of the stacks was on fire. The engines were
soon upon the spot, but the dry wood burned with great
fury, and it was impossible to arrest the conflagration until
the stack had been entirely consumed. Up to this point the
incident bore the appearance of an ordinary accident, but
fresh indications seem to point to serious crime. Surprise
was expressed at the absence of the master of the establish-
ment from the scene of the fire, and an inquiry followed,
which showed that he had disappeared from the house.
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