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 the 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.

As I approached the mortuary it became evident that some, at least, of Thorndyke’s admonitions were by no means unnecessary.  The place was in charge of a police-sergeant, who watched my approach suspiciously; and some half-dozen men, obviously newspaper reporters, hovered about the entrance like a pack of jackals.  I presented the coroner’s order which Mr. Marchmont had obtained, and which the sergeant read with his back against the wall, to prevent the newspaper men from looking over his shoulder.

My credentials being found satisfactory, the door was unlocked and I entered, accompanied by three enterprising reporters, whom, however, the sergeant summarily ejected and locked out, returning to usher me into the presence and to observe my proceedings with intelligent but highly embarrassing interest.