in the
Woodford mortuary, until, as the train approached Stratford, the odors
of the soap and bone-manure factories poured in at the open window and
(by a natural association of ideas) brought me back to the object of my
quest.

As to the exact purpose of this expedition, I was not very clear; but I
knew that I was acting as Thorndyke's proxy and thrilled with pride at
the thought. But what particular light my investigations were to throw
upon the intricate Bellingham case I had no very definite idea. With a
view to fixing the procedure in my mind, I took Thorndyke's written
instructions from my pocket and read them over carefully. They were
very full and explicit, making ample allowance for my lack of
experience in medico-legal matters:--

"1. Do not appear to make minute investigations or in any way excite
remark.

"2. Ascertain if all the bones belonging to each region are present,
and if not, which are missing.

"3. Measure the extreme length of the principal bones and compare those
of opposite sides.

"4. Examine the bones with reference to age, sex, and muscular
development of the deceased.

"5. Note the presence or absence of signs of constitutional disease,
local disease of bone or adjacent structures, old or recent injuries,
and any other departures from the normal or usual.

"6. Observe the presence or absence of adipocere and its position, if
present.

"7. Note any remains of tendons, ligaments or other soft structures.

"8. Examine the Sidcup hand with reference to the question as to
whether the finger was separated before or after death.

"9. Estimate the probable period of submersion and note any changes (as
e.g., mineral or organic staining) due to the character of the water or
mud.

"10. Ascertain the circumstances (immediate and remote) that led to the
discovery of the bones and the names of the persons concerned in those
circumstances.

"11. Commit all information to writing as soon as possible, and make
plans and diagrams on the spot, if circumstances permit.

"12. Preserve an impassive exterior: listen attentively but without
eagerness; ask as few questions as possible; pursue any inquiry that
your observations on the spot may suggest."

These were my instructions, and, considering that I was going merely to
inspect a few dry bones, they appeared rather formidable; in fact, the
more I read them over the greater became my misgivings as to my
qualifications for the task.

A