I was considering a discreet answer to this question when we swept into the station yard.  At the same moment the train drew up at the platform, and, with a hurried hand-shake and hastily spoken thanks, I sprang from the dog-cart and darted into the station.

During the rather slow journey homewards I read over my notes and endeavoured to extract from the facts they set forth some significance other than that which lay on the surface, but without much success.  Then I fell to speculating on what Thorndyke would think of the evidence at the inquest and whether he would be satisfied with the information that I had collected.  These speculations lasted me, with occasional digressions, until I arrived at the Temple and ran up the stairs rather eagerly to my friend’s chambers.

But here a disappointment awaited me.  The nest was empty with the exception of Polton, who appeared at the laboratory door in his white apron, with a pair of flat-nosed pliers in his hand.

“The Doctor has had to go down to Bristol to consult over an urgent case,” he explained, “and Doctor Jervis has gone with him.  They’ll be away a day or two, I expect, but the Doctor left this note for you.”

He took a letter from a shelf, where it had been stood conspicuously on edge, and handed it to me.  It was a short note from Thorndyke apologising for his sudden departure and asking me to give Polton my notes with any comments that I had to make.

“You will be interested to learn,” he added, “that the application will be heard in the Probate Court the day after to-morrow.  I shall not be present, of course, nor will Jervis, so I should like you to attend and keep your eyes open for anything that may happen during the hearing and that may not appear in the notes that Marchmont’s clerk will be instructed to take.  I have retained Dr. Payne to stand by and help you with the practice, so that you can attend the Court with a clear conscience.”

This was highly flattering and quite atoned for the small disappointment; with deep gratification at the trust that Thorndyke had reposed in me, I pocketed the letter, handed my notes to Polton, wished him “Good evening,” and betook myself to Fetter Lane.

CHAPTER XIV

WHICH CARRIES THE READER INTO THE PROBATE COURT

The Probate Court wore an air of studious repose when I entered with Miss Bellingham and her father.  Apparently the great and inquisitive public had not become aware of the proceedings that were about to take place, or had not realised their connection with the sensational “Mutilation Case”; but barristers and Press-men, better informed, had gathered in some strength, and the hum of their conversation filled the air like the droning of the voluntary that ushers in a cathedral service.

As we entered, a pleasant-faced, elderly gentleman rose and came forward to meet us, shaking Mr. Bellingham’s hand cordially and saluting Miss Bellingham with a courtly bow.