Just lately it has been put in repair, and it was in this way that the well came to be emptied and cleaned out.

It seems that Detective-Inspector Badger, who was searching the neighbourhood for further remains, heard of the emptying of the well and went down in the bucket to examine the bottom, where he found the three bones and the ring.
"Thus the identity of the body is established beyond all doubt, and the question that remains is, Who killed John Bellingham?
It may be remembered that a trinket, apparently broken from his watch-chain, was found in the grounds of this house on the day that he disappeared, and that he was never again seen alive.

What may be the import of these facts time will show." That was all; but it was enough.

I dropped the paper to the ground and glanced round furtively at Jervis, who sat gazing gloomily at the toes of his boots.

It was horrible; It was incredible! The blow was so crushing that it left my faculties numb, and for a while I seemed unable even to think intelligibly.
I was aroused by Thorndyke's voice--calm, business-like, composed: "Time will show, indeed! But meanwhile we must go warily.