But to return to our case.
I learned from him that John Bellingham had certain friends in Paris--collectors and museum officials--whom he was in the habit of visiting for the purpose of study and exchange of specimens.

I have made inquiries of all of these, and none of them had seen him during his last visit.

In fact, I have not yet discovered anyone who had seen Bellingham in Paris on this occasion.

So his visit there remains a mystery for the present." "It doesn't seem to be of much importance, since he undoubtedly came back," I remarked; but to this Thorndyke demurred.
"It is impossible to estimate the importance of the unknown," said he.
"Well, how does the matter stand," asked Jervis, "on the evidence that we have?
John Bellingham disappeared on a certain date.

Is there anything to show what was the manner of his disappearance ?" "The facts in our possession," said Thorndyke, "which are mainly those set forth in the newspaper report, suggest several alternative possibilities; and in view of the coming inquiry--for they will, no doubt, have to be gone into in Court, to some extent--it may be worth while to consider them.