I wish never to see it again." But I had been considering the matter, and had come to the conclusion that it would be highly indiscreet to take the book out of Mrs.Hornby's custody, and this I now proceeded to explain.
"I have no idea," I said, "for what purpose Dr.Thorndyke wishes to examine the 'Thumbograph,' but it occurs to me that he may desire to put it in evidence, in which case it would be better that it should not go out of your possession for the present.

He merely commissioned me to ask for your permission to take a photograph of it." "Oh, if he wants a photograph," said Mrs.Hornby, "I could get one done for him without any difficulty.

My nephew Walter would take one for us, I am sure, if I asked him.

He is so clever, you know--is he not, Juliet, dear ?" "Yes, aunt," replied Miss Gibson quickly, "but I expect Dr.Thorndyke would rather take the photograph himself." "I am sure he would," I agreed.

"In fact, a photograph taken by another person would not be of much use to him." "Ah," said Mrs.Hornby in a slightly injured tone, "you think Walter is just an ordinary amateur; but if I were to show you some of the photographs he has taken you would really be surprised.