Polton made them both for me for examining cheques, bank-notes and other large objects.

But you will understand when you see me use the instrument, and remember, you are to make no comments." We had by this time arrived at the entrance to Scotland Yard, and were passing up the narrow thoroughfare, when we encountered a uniformed official who halted and saluted my colleague.
"Ah, I thought we should see you here before long, doctor," said he genially.

"I heard this morning that you have this thumb-print case in hand." "Yes," replied Thorndyke; "I am going to see what can be done for the defence." "Well," said the officer as he ushered us into the building, "you've given us a good many surprises, but you'll give us a bigger one if you can make anything of this.

It's a foregone conclusion, I should say." "My dear fellow," said Thorndyke, "there is no such thing.

You mean that there is a _prima facie_ case against the accused." "Put it that way if you like," replied the officer, with a sly smile, "but I think you will find this about the hardest nut you ever tried your teeth on--and they're pretty strong teeth too, I'll say that.