Let us take the first case--that of voluntary disappearance.

Obviously, its improbability is extreme." "Jellicoe doesn't think so," said I."He thinks it quite on the cards that John Bellingham is alive.

He says that it is not a very unusual thing for a man to disappear for a time." "Then why is he applying for a presumption of death ?" "Just what I asked him.

He says that it is the correct thing to do; that the entire responsibility rests on the Court." "That is all nonsense," said Thorndyke.

"Jellicoe is the trustee for his absent client, and, if he thinks that client is alive, it is his duty to keep the estate intact; and he knows that perfectly well.