I shall go through all the streams and ponds around here, except Connaught Water.

That I shall leave to the last, as it will be a case of dredging from a boat and isn't so likely as the smaller ponds.

Perhaps the head will be there; it's deeper than any of the others." It now occurred to me that as I had learned all that I was likely to learn, which was little enough, I might as well leave the inspector to pursue his researches unembarrassed by my presence.

Accordingly I thanked him for his assistance and departed by the way I had come.
But as I retraced my steps along the shady path I speculated profoundly on the officer's proceedings.

My examination of the mutilated hand had yielded the conclusion that the finger had been removed either after death or shortly before, but more probably after.