Nevertheless," he continued, seeing the light of hope break out on the face of the unfortunate young man, "I must impress upon you that the case presents enormous difficulties and that we must be prepared to find them insuperable in spite of all our efforts." "I expect nothing but a conviction," replied Reuben in a calm and resolute voice, "and can face it like a man if only you do not take my guilt for granted, but give me a chance, no matter how small, of making a defence." "Everything shall be done that I am capable of doing," said Thorndyke; "that I can promise you.

The long odds against us are themselves a spur to endeavour, as far as I am concerned.

And now, let me ask you, have you any cuts or scratches on your fingers ?" Reuben Hornby held out both his hands for my colleague's inspection, and I noticed that they were powerful and shapely, like the hands of a skilled craftsman, though faultlessly kept.

Thorndyke set on the table a large condenser such as is used for microscopic work, and taking his client's hand, brought the bright spot of light to bear on each finger in succession, examining their tips and the parts around the nails with the aid of a pocket lens.
"A fine, capable hand, this," said he, regarding the member approvingly, as he finished his examination, "but I don't perceive any trace of a scar on either the right or left.

Will you go over them, Jervis?
The robbery took place a fortnight ago, so there has been time for a small cut or scratch to heal and disappear entirely.